Leota Lucille Harper Bates, 87, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, in Houston.
She was born Aug. 10, 1921, in Success, daughter of Rass and Eva Pittman Harper. She and Adam Bates were married June 1, 1940.
She enjoyed gardening and singing and playing gospel music with her 13 children, as well as preparing holiday meals. She loved the Lord and spent many hours reading her Bible.
Survivors include 11 children, Ina Freeman, Kenneth Bates, Deloris Quick, Roger Bates, Lloyd Bates, Daryl Bates, Adrin Bates and Bonita Luna of Licking, Frances Holland of Rolla, Dona Greer and Margaret Goetz of Dyersburg, Tenn.; two brothers, Carl Harper of Lamonte and Lyle Harper of Camdenton; 26 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; two infant children, Doretta Bates and Russell Bates; a brother, Jerry Harper; and a sister, Clara Huff.
Services are 2 p.m. today (Thursday), Oct. 9, at Fox Funeral Chapel with Rev. David Jett officiating. Burial is in Oakland Cemetery at Success.
