Dorothy Mae Bates

Mrs. Dorothy Mae Bates of Chillicothe, Missouri was born October 2, 1915 the youngest child of Albert Roger and Nettie Sanford (Nordyke) Engle. She went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at The Baptist Home, Chillicothe at the age of 95 years, 3 months and 2 days.
On April 8, 1933, Dorothy was united in marriage to Clarence Wilburn Bates in Grandview, Missouri and to this union was born two daughters, Helen and Julia.
Dorothy was a homemaker. She devoted her life to the duties and responsibilities of a minister?s wife, sewing, baking and caring for her family. Dorothy was a devoted Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She served in many positions, Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, President of several churches Womens organizations, Room Mother for her two daughters and a devotional leader for P.T.A. Dorothy was always ready to help anyone who shared a need, looked for ways to express kindness, she had a special gift. She had lived in Grandview, Adrian, Garden City and Belton, Missouri before moving to Chillicothe in 1998.
Besides her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 70 plus years, Rev. Clarence W. Bates on March 6, 2004; a grandson, James D. Dean; 2 infant brothers, Robert and Paul; 2 sisters, Ethel Mitchell and Harriett Speaks; 2 infant sisters, Alberta and Esther.
Dorothy is survived by 2 daughters, Helen L. Dean, Raymore, Missouri, Julia M. Copeland, Belton, Missouri; 7 grandchildren, Earlene Davis (Mike), Rev. William, Kenagy III (Lucinda), Debbie Kreienhamp (Jake), Becky Hale (Bryan), Mary Baldwin, Beth Copeland, Tommie Baldwin; 15 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 8, 2011 at South Haven Baptist Church, Belton, Missouri with interment in the Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.
Family suggests contributions may be made to the church memorial fund.