Gwendolyn “Gwen” Carol Skates (Johnson)

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Carol Skates (Johnson), 65, of Mineral Wells, Texas, entered into the presence of her Lord on August 13, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

Born June 12th, 1960 in Abilene, Texas, Gwen lived a life marked by devotion—to her family, her friends, her faith, and to the countless patients whose lives she touched through her nursing career.

Family was at the center of Gwen’s heart. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Candace Watson, and a loving mother-in-law to Adrian Watson. Her greatest joy came in being “Nana” to her grandchildren, Averie and Dalton. Gwen delighted in cooking family meals, taking trips and adventures, floating in her swimming pool, and filling her home with love, laughter, and the aroma of her favorite recipes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Howard and Mildred Jane Johnson (Huffman). She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Candace and Adrian Watson; her beloved grandchildren, Averie and Dalton Watson; her sister, Rhonda, and husband Joey Nowak; niece Crystal and husband Allan Schramm; great-nephew and nieces Jake, Abby, and Emma Schramm; nephew Cody Calvin; half-brothers Larry Ryan of Illinois and David and Robert Ryan of Colorado City, TX; and nephew Kenneth Ryan of Wichita Falls, TX. She also leaves behind numerous extended family members and cherished friends.

Gwen’s faith was her foundation, and she was a member of Highridge Church in Mineral Wells. A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Highridge Church in Mineral Wells, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Highridge Church of Mineral Wells.