Eva May (Pringle) Gates Hummel

In Loving Memory of Eva May Gates Hummel

 May 10, 1940 – August 28, 2025

Eva May Gates Hummel, 85, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 10, 1940, in Indianapolis to the late Harry and Antoinette (Benedick) Pringle, Eva was a lifelong Hoosier whose heart belonged to her family, her faith, and her beloved Indiana Pacers.

Eva attended Sacred Heart School through the tenth grade and graduated from St. John’s Catholic High School in 1958. As a spirited young girl, she embraced her “tomboy” side, much to the delight of her father, who raised a house full of daughters. Her playful nature and competitive streak found a perfect outlet in card games, especially Euchre, which she played with joy and skill.

She cherished summers at Lake Lemon, where swimming brought her peace and happiness. Eva often mused that there must be “water in heaven”—a reflection of her deep connection to nature and her enduring faith.

A voracious reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast, Eva’s mind was as sharp as her wit. But above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother. She never missed a ball game, always cheering from the sidelines with pride and love. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement, and her legacy lives on in the lives of her son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Eva is survived by her son, George (Melissa) Gates, Jr.; sister, Alma (Robert) Blake; daughter-in-law, Lisa Gates Smith; stepson, Gary Hummel; eleven grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, George F. Gates and Charles A. Hummel; her parents; her son, Robert “Bobby” Gates; sisters, Anne Turner and Helen Snead; stepdaughter, Terri Lambert; and stepson, Buddy Hummel.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, September 3, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lauck & Veldhof Funeral Home, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Prayers will be said at 12:30 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1530 Union St., with Fr. Duc Pham, O.S.B. presiding. Eva will be laid to rest at St. Joseph/Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

To sign the guest book, share a memory, or send flowers, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com.

Eva’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and laughter. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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