Margaret Jane Bates

Margaret was born on November 29, 1928, to Earl H. and Martha Dudley Luce, in Lansing. She lived a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family and community.

She shared 67 loving years of marriage with her late husband, Jack Bates, whose military service often required long separations. During those years, Margaret guided her family with grace, resilience, and steadfast love, becoming the steady heart and gentle anchor of those around her.

A lifelong resident living just off the campus of Michigan State University, Margaret was a devoted and die-hard Spartan fan. She and Jack were longtime season ticket holders for both football and basketball and rarely missed a game. Tailgating became a cherished family tradition as they traveled in their motorhome, welcoming family and friends to gather, celebrate, and cheer together. These joyful weekends created lasting memories filled with laughter, connection, and shared pride.

Margaret was an excellent student and remained intellectually curious throughout her life. From middle school through high school, she sang in the Girls Glee Club and was a member of the National Honor Society. Her lifelong love of music continued into adulthood through her church choir.

In 1975, Margaret became the office manager for Jack’s Insurance Agency, a role she carried out with dedication and skill until Jack’s passing in 2017. She was known for her intelligence, organization, and quiet competence, contributing greatly to the success of the family business.

Margaret was a devoted volunteer for more than 35 years at Sparrow Hospital, serving with the Women’s Board of Managers and the Sparrow Service Auxiliary. Her many roles included cashier in the gift shop, serving on the House Décor Committee, Sparrow Archives, delivering flowers and gifts by cart throughout the hospital, and delivering food for hospital staff one day each week for 28 years. Her generosity of time and spirit touched patients, staff, and fellow volunteers alike.

She was also deeply engaged in her community, serving as a member of the East Lansing Woman’s Club for 10 years, including one year as President, and one year as President of the Ingham County Republican Women’s Club. Margaret also gave her time as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, mentoring young girls with patience and kindness.

Faith was central to Margaret’s life. She was an active and devoted member of Peoples Church, where she sang in the choir for many years, served as Treasurer for the Women of Peoples Church, and participated in the Hannah Circle. Her faith guided her actions and shaped the compassion she showed to everyone she encountered.

Margaret and Jack shared a love of travel and the beauty of the American Southwest. They spent treasured time in New Mexico visiting her sister, enjoyed many trips to Arizona, and delighted in an unforgettable journey to Alaska. At home, Margaret was also known as an incredible cook whose meals brought family together and created traditions for family and friends that will live on for generations.

She is survived by her children, Martha (Jerry) Ford, Nancy Bates, and Robert Bates; her grandchildren, Margaret “Maggie” (Matt) Wurtzebach, Louis Ford, Bryan (Amanda) Kendrick, Kathlyn (Derrick Redman) Kendrick, Christel Kendrick, Joshua (Jess) Lettieri, Matthew Karkos, and Seth Bates; and her great-grandchildren, Jackson, Wyatt, Colton, Ava, Lilyanne, Nevaeh, Julian, Gabriel, Olive, Draven, Guinevere, and Milo. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Margaret will be remembered as the quiet soul of her family — a woman of grace, faith, humility, and enduring love whose presence brought comfort and stability to all who knew her. Her life reminds us that true strength often speaks softly and that a lasting legacy is built through everyday acts of kindness, service, and devotion.

Celebration of Margaret's life Service will be held at 11 a.m., Peoples Church of East Lansing, 200 West Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. Please join the family following the service for a light lunch to greet and visit with the family. Burial will follow, at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, 2600 Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Margaret's name to the Jack E. Bates Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation Endowment Fund, 330 Marshall St., Ste. 300, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

Margaret will be deeply missed and forever cherished.