Frances M. Bates, 83, daughter of Marian Francis and Frances Margaret Gaither Richardson, was born Nov. 23, 1923, at Success. She died April 29, 2007, at Audrian Medical Center at Mexico, Mo.
She married Glen Wilmer Bates Sr. Aug. 4, 1942, at Success. He died Oct. 10, 1980.
Mrs. Bates was a homemaker and enjoyed cross-stitching, quilting, embroidering and her grand- and great-grandchildren.
She was baptized in the Baptist church and lived at Mexico, Mo.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Rufus Cavaness; and a great-great-grandson.
Surviving are 12 children, Linda Kay Florreich of Sparta, Ill., Shirley Mae Burnett, William Floyd Bates, Norman Edward Bates, Mildred “Millie” Frances Louise Feger, Glen Wilmer Bates Jr. and Carol Elaine Bates of Mexico, Mo., Glenda Faye Castrop of Hallsville, James Bates of Laddonia, Marjorie “Pat” Foree of Independence, Henry Lee Bates of Palm Springs, Calif., Amy Kathleen Garnett of Kansas City; 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Services were May 2 at the Ellis Prairie Baptist Church with the Rev. Henry Lee Bates officiating. Burial was in the Ellis Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Arnold Funeral Home of Mexico, Mo.
Memorials may be made to the Ellis Prairie Cemetery Fund.
