Dear April, I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. Nothing anyone says right now will make you feel any better or your heart ache any less, but know that you are thought of and loved and being prayed for. And April, your mom knows how much you loved her. The bond your family has is so remarkable and so close. I would hear you talk to her on the phone and you both would always end by saying "I love you" to each other~that is so special. Hold on to your memories and know that she will want you to continue on with your life and continue to grow into the wonderful young lady that you are. May God bless you and wrap you in His arms through this difficult time. Love, Melissa

 Posted by Melissa Zeeryp - Grand Rapids, MI May 20, 2007

So sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. We will keep Barbara and your family in our prayers.

 Posted by ralph kibiloski - wyoming, MI May 21, 2007

I enjoyed knowing Barb from Metro Health Hospital and I was sorry to read of her passing. My prayers are for her family now.

 Posted by Sandy McConnell Rieckman - Grand Rapids, MI May 21, 2007

When Steven and I moved to Grand Rapids and found an apartment on Taft, the first people we meet were the upstair's neighbor, Barb and Ken. April was just a little tyke. The four of us hit if off immediately. What memories! Remember the Friday night get togethers. Playing cards. How many times did we go Midnight Bowling and then to Casey's for breakfast. The New Year's Eve calls at midnight. Barb's friendship, kind heartedness, loyalty and love for her family will not be forgotten. Steven adored her. Ken, may you find comfort in the endless memories the four of shared!

 Posted by Mary Aalsburg - Grand Rapids, MI May 21, 2007

05/21/2007
 DEAR KEN, APRIL, & KEN,
 AS YOU KNOW, IT HAS BEEN MY PRIVILEGE TO KNOW BARBARA KAY FOR MANY YEARS. SHE WAS SUCH AN ASSET AND WONDERFUL. WHENEVER WE TALKED. BARB WAS ALWAYS KIND AND FOLLOWED THROUGH ON ANY REQUEST I MADE. 
 BARB WAS SO PROUD OF YOU KEN & THE CHILDREN. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL WIFE, MOTHER, DAUGHTER, SISTER, & FRIEND.
 I AM WITH YOU & YOUR FAMILY IN SPIRIT. MY THOUGHTS/REMEMBERANCES & PRAYERS WILL CONTINUE. WE MUST REMEMBER WE HAVE ANOTHER ANGEL IN HEAVEN WHO WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK OUT FOR HER FAMILY & ALL THOSE SHE LOVED. BARB HAD MANY FRIENDS...BECAUSE SHE WAS SO VERY, VERY SPECIAL. JUDI COLE DR. SYRING'S.

 Posted by JUDI COLE - KENTWOOD, MI May 21, 2007

April, I just found out today about your mom. She was a wonderful woman. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with your family and give you comfort. Betty Gunn

 Posted by Betty Gunn - Grand Rapids, MI May 21, 2007

To the family of Barb. I had the privelege of working with Barb serveral years ago at Metro and really enjoyed getting to know her. She will be missed greatly there. I am praying for all of you and trust you will find strength in our wonderful Lord and Savior. Sheryl Hoek

 Posted by Sheryl Hoek - Grand Rapids, MI May 21, 2007

To the Bates Family,
 I am so sorry to hear your loss. I had the opportunity to work with Barb some years ago at Metro. I always enjoyed working with her. I know that she will be greatly missed. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
 God Bless, Heather and Todd Stevahn

 Posted by Heather Hasselman Stevahn - Portland, OR May 21, 2007

A MOTHERS JOURNEY
 The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said: "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."
 But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."
 Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come." 
 And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children," A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."
 And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I've given them strength."
 And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: "Look up. Lift your eyes to the light." And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness. And that night the Mother said, "This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God." 
 And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them." 
 And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."
 Your Mother is always with you... She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every teardrop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you.
 Not time, not space... not even death! Author unknown
 April, Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and yours. Teresa

 Posted by Teresa Stick - Wyoming, MI May 21, 2007

OBITUARY

Barbara Kay Bates

June 14, 1959 – May 19, 2007

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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