Winifred (Dowds) Bates was born on May 1, 1929 in Durango Colorado to Hugh and Margaret Dowds. She died peacefully on September 19, 2023 at the age of 94. Winnie was one of five children growing up in Durango. In 1948 she met a young Merchant Marine just home from the war named Neal and 3 short months later, on December 15th they were married in a small town in New Mexico. After being married, Winnie and Neal moved Denver then to Georgetown and then finally settling down to start their family in Grand Junction where their daughter Sheila and son Gary were born. Winnie was a fiery redhead and Irish to the bone. Winnie had a full life, with lots of love surrounding her. She is survived by her daughter Sheila (Dennis) Bodie, son Gary (Sandy) Bates, Grandchildren, Bryon (Christy) Hobbs, Brandon Hobbs, Kelly (Brian) McBride, Jessica (Christopher) Myers, Aimee (Justin) Ludwig, Ashley Bates, 12 great-grandchildren and sister Margaret Springer.
Services will be held at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary on Tuesday October 3, 2023 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers the family kindly request a donation to HopeWest in Winnie’s name.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Bates family.
