Joyce Bates, 75, passed away at her home in Lake Alfred, FL on December 8th, 2013. She was born on May 31st, 1938 in Bowling Green, KY. She was a secretary for the US Department of Agriculture and a member of Central Baptist Church in Winter Haven.
She is survived by her husband, Gene L. Bates, daughters, Pam Ritchie, Glenda Williams, Deborah Kehoe, and Renee Mueller, step daughters, Tamera Bates and Jackie Botts, a step son, Sonnie Bates, two sisters, Theresa Wilson and Sandy Smith, one brother Bob Sturdivant, 23 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12th, from 3-4 pm with a service following at 4 pm. Both will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Auburndale, FL.
