COATES: Elaine (Gullage) of Exeter
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On December 15, 2025 @ 4:09 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 20 Comments
At LHSC – University Hospital, London on Sunday, December 14, 2025 of London and formerly of Corner Brook, Newfoundland in her 94th year. Cherished wife of Ross Coates for 50 years. Dear mother of Ken Fletcher (Marie) of Kitchener. Remembered by sisters-in-law Ruby Gullage of Newfoundland and Audrey Zachar of Exeter. Fondly remembered by best friends Tim and Val Uniac and her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Hezkiah and Jessie (Hiscock) Gullage and her siblings Kie, George, Maude, John, and Fred.
Elaine had a presence that people were naturally drawn to — especially children. She understood them, delighted in them, and always made sure they left with a smile — and, of course, a sucker in hand. She had a way of making others feel seen and welcomed. Once you met Elaine, you didn’t forget her. She was memorable in the truest sense of the word, leaving an impression that stayed with you long after the moment had passed. For many years, Elaine was proud of her work as a hairdresser, and later in life, she poured that same care and dedication into owning and operating her own restaurant in Exeter.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Friday, December 19th from 11 AM – 12: 30 PM, where Elaine’s funeral service will begin at 12:30 PM. Interment Exeter Cemetery.
Donations to the VON Middlesex-Elgin or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “COATES: Elaine (Gullage) of Exeter”
Ross, Ken and Marie, Audrey and family, heartfelt condolences on Elaine’s passing. She was a fun loving, friendly, hard working woman. My parents Doug and Dorothy Insley knew Elaine too. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere condolences to Ross for the loss of a loving wife and to Ken and Marie for the loss of his mother. Also we send condolences to Elaine’s sisters-in-laws, Ruby (whom we met in Cornerbrook) and Audrey as well as her nieces and nephews and friends. She loved all of you. We had many delightful visits full of fun and laughter. We were the lucky recipients of her baking and cooking at delicious meals and other occasions. She shared her skills by generously donating her productions to neighbours, relatives and friends. Elaine cared about those she knew. We will always remember the many calls of care and concern we received. Her hairdressing and restaurant management skills were other ways she made a great difference in this world. We will miss her.
To Ross, family and friends of Elaine,
My sincere condolences on the loss of such an amazing woman.
She was a one of a kind! No matter where Elaine went, she shined her beautiful, bright smile and personality wherever she went.
She will forever have a place in all of our hearts
Ross and family I’m sorry to hear the loss of Elaine, when you were both in my store a couple months ago she looked amazing, she was saying she would bring me some of her delicious baking like back in the day when we worked together. She was a special person with a heart of gold. She was always laughing and telling jokes she will be deeply missed by so many. R.I.P Elaine fly high with the angels.
Our sincere condolences to Ross, Elaine’s family and friends. Elaine was a real spitfire and happy person. Remembering her with fondness.
My sincerest condolences to Ross and family on the loss of Elaine. I too, knew Elaine through my older sister, Uleen, who died a few years ago. Uleen and Elaine enjoyed many laughs together and now they can reunite and fly with the angels together. So sorry for everyone’s loss.
Elaine delighted in life and that delight was evident in all of her accomplishments. Big smile, big heart – I am so grateful for her friendship over the years. She told me not to say “good-bye.” So, “until the next time,” Elaine.
I wish to offer my condolences to Ross and other members of Elaine’s
family. Elaine is fondly remembered by my sister Uleen’s family.
What a wonderful person Elaine was and such a good baker.
Donna Watson,
Ross, so sorry to hear about Elaine. May she rest in peace. Take care of yourself Ross.
Sorry for the loss of a wife, Mother.
She will be missed by all that knew her she was a lovely lady.
Ross, we were so sorry to hear about Elaine. She was a great person and so full of fun and life! She will be missed by many. Take care of you!
Ross, very sorry to hear of your loss. Sad to hear about the passing of Elaine.
Our heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
To Ross and family,
Elaine was such a wonderful person who always lit up the room with her fun, loving personality.
Her generous donations of her amazing baked goods were truly the icing on the cake (especially the lemon loaf and rum balls at Christmas time!)
She shared all of herself to everyone she met. Such an amazing lady!
Sending condolences to all of you, may her memories keep a smile on your face and your heart warm.
Last time I spoke to Elaine she was doing so well. Elaine’s main concern was for her husband Ross. The last year or so Elaine was up and down with her health issues.
Thinking of Ross and wishing him the best! Remember you have an angel watching over you! Elaine has left you with many memories. Hugs.
Ross, Ken and Family,
Elaine was such a wonderful lady with a generous heart and full of life. We will remember the great times we had with all at Tom and Shirley’s playing cards, rumoli and at Mom and Dad’s as well. Always many laughs and good food. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Keep your memories close as they will always bring a smile to your heart. Stay strong,.
Love,
Pat and Ken
My Sincere Sympathy Ross and Family..
Elaine was a lovely friendly lady and just recently had
a nice visit with you and Elaine..
May all your fun memories comfort you in your loss…
Ross, I am so sorry about Elaine. I’m so sorry for your loss my friend.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Ross
So very sorry to hear about Elaine.
Thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Ross. So sorry for the loss of Elaine … she was such a nice lady … always happy and caring.
Joanne Gibbs
Article printed from Haskett Funeral Homes | Dashwood, Exeter, Lucan, & Seaforth Ontario: https://www.haskettfh.com
URL to article: https://www.haskettfh.com/coates-elaine-gullage-of-exeter/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2010 Haskett Funeral Homes |All rights reserved.
I am offering my sincere condolences to the families of Elaine. I knew Elaine through my older sister, Uleen. Elaine and her husband were a big part of my sister’s life. My sister has pre-deceased Elaine by a few years, however, I know that she would want to remember Elaine’s husband and family. Elaine and Uleen are now sharing a “toast” in the fluffy white clouds above.