Louise M Bates

LOUISE M BATES, age 98, of Winnebago, died Monday, July 20, 2015, at Parker Oaks in Winnebago. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015, at 11:00 AM, at the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, with Rev. Michael Roys officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Winnebago. Visitation time will be from one hour before the service at the church. Web tributes may be left at www.spencerowen.com Louise was born July 12, 1917. She graduated from Garden City High School, and went on to further her education at Mankato Commercial College. She was united in marriage to Warren “Bill” Bates on February 10, 1947, at Truman. They farmed north of Winnebago for many years, until Bill’s retirement in 1977. She worked at First National Bank of Winnebago, Delavan Farmers State Bank, in the office of Stokely Van Camp as cost accountant and payroll. She had an Income Tax Office in her home for 8 years. She worked for Winnebago Floral for a number of years. Louise was an active member of the Winnebago Community. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Church Circle, First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago. Her volunteer work included driving for seniors for 7 years and volunteer sewing at Parker Oaks for many years. She was also a VITA volunteer for several years and volunteered where ever there was a need. Louise loved to travel. She was able to enjoy visits to Scotland, Hawaii, Mexico, Ireland, Spain and Great Britain. She enjoyed flowers, dancing, reading, decorating, and music. Her husband passed away September 4, 1984. She was so grateful for all her loving friends and family. She is survived by her son, David (Trudy) Bates of Fairmont, grandson, Michael (Berit) Bates of Truman, as well as a niece, Mary Ellen (David) Lewis of Winnebago, and their children Blake Lewis and Katie Campbell, brother-in-law Elmer (Janice) Schonrock, and nephew, Steven (Janet) Schonrock. She was preceded in death by husband, Bill, mother, Anne, brother, William (Elaine) Smyth, brother-in-law Robert (Betty) Bates, sister-in-law, Maxine Schonrock.