Willodean Bates

Willodean Bates was born in Centreville, Alabama on January 30, 1935, to the late William T. & Louvenia Sue (nee. Blakely) Heard. She departed this earthly life on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the tender age of 90 while at Lutheran Hospital.

She moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1949. She retired from General Electric in 2005 after 39 years of service. Willodean was a member of the GE Elex Club, Elks Lodge and Zion Lutheran Church, where she served on the Altar Guild. She was a cosmetologist for many years and enjoyed delivering flowers to those in the nursing home.

Our mother loved to shop, talk with others whether on the phone, in person or wherever she was. She loved spending time with her children, especially her grandchildren. Her favorite day and time of the year was Christmas. She would spend endless amounts of dollars and time making sure that all her grandchildren had gifts. Birthdays were also very special to her; she made sure that you received something on your birthday whether you wanted something or not.

Mom had a special pet dog named “Buddy.” Buddy was a true pet dog to our mother. She loved Buddy with all her heart and soul. For many years, Buddy was the only one who was with our mother when she was home alone.

She was a person who everyone seemed to like and appreciate. Everyone in the neighborhood looked out for her needs and wants. She did not want for much but, if she needed something, her neighbors were always there for her.

We loved her and will miss her. Her legacy and many precious memories will be cherished and continued with her children, Tommy Lee (Ella) Hogan, Brenda Jean Hogan, Cynthia Ann Hogan, Kenneth Ray Hogan, Marissia Lynn (Donald) White, Suzette Renee Rogan, Anthony LaRue Bates, Gerry LaRue Bates and Christopher James Bates; raised as siblings, Von Hammond and James Bailey; 27 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey DeWayne Rogan, daughter, Belinda Joyce Hogan; a brother, William O. Heard; her cousins raised as siblings, Jeddie, Betty, Elizabeth “Baby Sister,” Myra, Bobby, Sonny, Arthur, Willie, Dean, and Butch; her grandparents, “Big Mama” Octavia & Dolphus Blakely; and stepmother, Lucille Mae Heard.

A funeral celebrating her life will be 11:00 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2313 S. Hanna St. (46803) with visitation one hour prior. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Fond memories of Willodean may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com