Helen Dee Bates

Helen Dee Bates of San Jacinto, passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, March 28, 2016, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on Saturday, May 7, 1927 in Ulysses, Kansas to the late Harry and Emma Converse Parsons. Helen loved sunflowers, birds, the color blue and camping with family and friends. She would often sit on her patio and watch the birds as they drank from the feeders or rested in the nearby trees. She was a collector of chicken figurines and decorated her home with many of her favorites. She was also a collector of miniatures and salt and pepper shakers. Helen enjoyed crocheting. Many family members will be kept warm by afghans made by her loving hands. She is described as a very special lady; loving and family oriented. She had a unique way of reaching out to others that made them feel special and part of her family. Helen will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 60 years, Melvin (Woody) Bates, and also by her daughter, Carolynne Head. Surviving are her children, Helen Spain and her husband Lawrence, Melvin Bates and his wife Tamera, Marilyn Navarro and her husband Michael, Emma Taylor and her husband Douglas, her 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. A private interment will be held at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. A Celebration of Life will be held at Emma and Douglas Taylor's home on April 30th from1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.