Funeral services celebrating her life and faith will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home in Abilene with Mike Raughton and Charles Price officiating. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Memorial Park following Services. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 PM also at the funeral home.
Novalene was born on July 13, 1933, in Abilene, Texas. She was one of six children born to the late Claude Ernest Raughton and Annie (Ross) Raughton. She grew up in a large musical family. From an early age music was an important part of her life and remained. She loved serving the Lord through playing the piano. She attended school at Elmdale and Abilene High School. Novalene married Robert Bates on December 18, 1952. Together they raised one son Tony whose care and love was of utmost importance to her. In 1967 the family moved to San Angelo and she returned in 1980. Novalene worked as a cafeteria lady for the Wylie I.S.D for over 30 years. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life watching tv, spending time with family that included riding around with her younger sister.
The seeds of faith were planted in her heart at young age growing up in a devoted Christian family. She served the Lord in several churches over the years, First United Pentecostal Church, Grace Tabernacle and attended Hope Eternal Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; devoted husband, Robert Bates; brothers, Gene and Earl Raughton; sisters, Lois Carroll and Billie Strickland.
She is survived by her son, Tony Bates and his wife, Judy; grandsons, Ryan and Cody Bates; great-granddaughters, Lauren and Kinleigh Bates; her sister, Shirley Tucker; a host of nieces and nephews.
