Beth Ann Bates

She was born in San Bernadino, California on November 27, 1951 to the late Betty Sue Barnes & Dr. Everette Francis Kreider, Jr.

Early on, Beth had a deep appreciation for history and reading. After attending St. Petersburg Catholic High School and St. Mary's Dominican High School in New Orleans, LA, she attended University of South Florida and Valencia College for her nursing degree and set out to make her mark on the world. Following university, Beth set her sights on working at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. There, she spent her time at Disney's Contemporary Resort as a concierge and vacation planning specialist. It was the perfect role for a bubbly young woman with an infectious smile and prepared her for planning future trips of her own.

While working at Disney's Contemporary Resort, she met the love of her life, Ken, and the two started a 50 year adventure together. That adventure only became more interesting and full of love with the birth of their three boys, Carl, Adam and Brandon. Together, they spent their days going to car shows, road-tripping around Florida and traveling the globe to places like France and Hong Kong. She loved collecting keepsakes along the way and could always recount the story behind the treasure. Though her greatest achievement was raising her family, she also served her community as a Registered Nurse at Florida Hospital (now Advent Health) in the Oncology Unit for 20 years.

Beth's positivity and "can-do" attitude made her the cornerstone of her family and helped many others throughout her life. Known to most as "Mom" and a special few as "Nana", Beth had a special gift of making everyone she met feel like part of her family. Whether it was sending hand-written cards and creatively crafted gifts, or inviting you to her home, she always made you feel welcome and loved.

Her love and legacy continues on with her husband, Kenneth Bates; three sons, Carl Bates, Adam Bates (wife, Amanda) and Brandon Bates; as well as her five grandchildren, Ethan, Alexander, Olivia, Hudson and Audrey.

"A happy family is but an earlier heaven" and as a woman of strong Catholic faith, we take comfort we will see Beth again.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

If you would like to make a donation in Beth’s name, the family invites you to donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. (link below)

We would love to hear your loving memories of Beth in the online guest book below.