Anita P. Bates

Anita Patricia was born February 28, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Genevieve Mullins. She married Mathias George Bates on December 10, 1947.

Preceding her in death were her much loved husband, Mathias; her still grieved for daughter, Alice; her dear brother, Joseph; her aunts, Rose and Mary; her parents; and her grandparents. Also preceding her in death were her sisters-in-law, Ann, Retha, Alice, Clara, Bernice, and Estelle; brothers-in-law, Francis, Walter, and Joseph; and several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include Anita’s treasured daughter, Rosemarie; her much loved son, Lawrence and his beloved wife, Sarah. Also surviving are her nephew, Ralph and her great nephew-in-law, Brendan.

Affectionately referred to as “Dynamite” by her boss, Anita worked as a comptometer operator at the CB&Q Railroad in Chicago. Her beautiful voice was heard in church choirs and also on a Chicago radio station where the announcer would introduce her as Anita, the girl with the golden hair and throat.

Anita enjoyed designing jewelry, sketching, and writing. She spent hours rejuvenating toys and dolls for children.

She had a huge heart when it came to four-footed furry friends, the most recent being Dusty Maine Coon, Alice’s dear kitty.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL, with Rev. Daniel G. McGrath officiating.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.