Bona Jean Bates (Bonnie), of Ann Arbor, MI, died December 31, 2012 after a short stay at Glacier Hills. She was born September 2, 1930 in Mishawaka, IN, the daughter of Russell and Mildred Vance, who preceded her in death. Bonnie, Richard, and their three sons moved to Ann Arbor, MI in 1959. She was a stay-at-home mom for about ten years before being employed by the First United Methodist Church for two years. She then served as Secretary to the Principal of several schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools for over 20 years. She will be remembered for her loving kindness of family and friends, her enthusiasm for life, and her faith. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, loved music, gardening, sewing and cooking. She is survived by Richard, her husband; and three sons, Larry (Kathy) Bates of Bloomfield Hills, MI, David (Ruth) Bates of Fayetteville, NY, and Douglas (Kris) Bates of Ocean Springs, MS. She loved being "grandma" to her seven grandchildren, Jessica, Claire (Josh), Cameron, Ben, Kathleen, Mike and Liz Bates. She has three sisters, Mary Satterlee, Carol Endsley, and Sue (Fred) Barnett. She will remembered also by 11 nieces and nephews and many friends. She will be deeply missed. A celebration of her life will be held at the First Baptist Church at 512 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 2 PM. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Friday, January 4th at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel at 403 S. Fourth Avenue in Ann Arbor or on Saturday from 1-2 PM at the First Baptist Church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor
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