Phyllis Jean Bates, 98, of Chattanooga went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, August 2, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born April 18, 1928, in Akron, Ohio to the late Frank E. and Florence Hayes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Denver “Ted” Bates and a sister, Sally Burch. She was a long-time member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the Chancel Choir.
Survivors include her son, Greg (Diane) Bates, daughter, Cheryl (Pete) Ostewig, grandchildren, Mark Bates, Danya Bellomy, Jason White, Brandon (Danielle) White, Travis (Diana) White, Heather (Stephen) Brummer, Amy Ostewig, brother, Wayne (Margaret) Hayes, a special niece, Tonia Burch Shepherd, 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 10-12 Thursday, August 6, at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 12 in the chapel. Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Hospice of Chattanooga for their wonderful and compassionate care.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 North Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411 or to Hospice of Chattanooga, 2030 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Suite 220, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memoires at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com.
