Jane B. Bates, 84, was born on August 15, 1929 in Maryville, Tenn., to William Lee and Laura (Parks) Burch. Jane passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2013 at Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Mo.
Jane is preceded in death by her parents and multiple siblings. She is survived by her husband, Gary Bates of Licking, Mo., daughter, Sherry Worman and husband Michael of Carol Stream, Ill.; stepdaughters, Kim Bates and Tracy Bates of Elgin, Ill.; stepsons, Gary Bates, Jr. and Larry Bates of Addison, Ill.; grandchildren, Kimberly Forman and husband Steven of Glendale Heights, Ill., David Hatcher of Burlington, Wis., Lloyd Hatcher and wife Lucy of North Aurora, Ill., Kylie Bates and Matthew Bates of Carol Stream, Ill., other grandchildren and great-grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews and other family members.
Jane grew up in Maryville, Tenn. where she graduated from Maryville High School. After graduating she married Lloyd Stone in 1948 and they moved to Chicago in 1950. Lloyd preceded her in death in 1987. On Feb. 21, 1989 Jane eloped to Las Vegas, Nev., and married Gary Bates in a charming small white chapel. They would have celebrated 25 years of marital bliss this coming February.
During her working career Jane held several jobs one of which was secretary to the former Chicago Cardinal football team. She retired in 1989 from Rixon Firemark Corporation in River Grove, Ill., as a traffic manager.
Jane had a kind and loving heart. She had a special fondness for animals especially her dogs, cats, cows and horses. Her love for animals was especially demonstrated when she brought a fawn that had been abandoned, into her home and hand fed it until it could be released to its natural habitat.
Jane was not only a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, but was a friend to all those that she came in contact with. Everyone that entered into her home was made to feel welcome and cared for. Being fun loving, Jane liked to have a good time and enjoyed playing an exciting game of cards with family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
When able she attended Boone Creek Church in Licking, Mo. Jane enjoyed having God in her life and is now with her savior and her loved ones that have gone on before her.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) at Evans Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Walker officiating. Burial will be in Ellis Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
PAID