Dorothy J Bates

Dorothy Bates passed away on October 1, 2022. For the last few years, she struggled with dementia, but would join Susie on hymns and sing to her heart’s content. Her family now rejoices in the knowledge that she is dancing and singing with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. Dorothy was born on January 16, 1929 to John and Irene (Oliver) Welcher. Bill Gilbert became her stepfather very early in her life. Dorothy married Harvey Bates on December 31, 1949 in Kokomo.

She is survived by her two daughters, Susan (Mark) Milner of Greensboro, N.C., Janet Bates of Phoenix, AZ, her daughter-in-law Cheryle Bates, grandson-in-law Chris Wainscott, four grandchildren, Adam (Hope) Bates, Aimee (David) Jenkins, Aaron (Beth) Bates, Andrew (Krista) Bates, great grandchildren, Madeleine Wainscott, Joshua Wainscott, Kayla Bates, Karlee Bates, Meela Bates, Mac Bates, Hannah Jenkins, Garett Jenkins and Sam Jenkins, her sister Betty Pence of San Manuel, AZ and her sisters-in-law Jo Gilbert, Joyce Gilbert, Nancy Gilbert, Eva Ward, and Margarett Bates. She is further survived by nieces and nephews, other relatives and good friends including Beth Stout of Phoenix, AZ. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Harvey, her son Roger, her granddaughter Jennifer Wainscott, her parents John Welcher and Irene Gilbert, her stepfather Bill Gilbert, her sisters Louise Pentland and MaryAnn Gilbert, her brothers Don Welcher, Leslie Gilbert, Billy Gilbert and Max Gilbert.

God, family and friends were paramount in Dorothy’s life. She babysat for many children throughout the years and spent her life active in the churches she and Harvey attended. At Foursquare Gospel Church, she taught Sunday School for years, participated in women’s’ groups, outreach activities and volunteered at church camps each summer. At New Life Assembly, she was there almost every time the church door was open. In North Carolina, she attended Westover Church.

Dorothy was devoted to her husband, Harvey, for over 50 years and her children were her whole life. She was loved by many and cherished her relationships with family and friends. She will be sorely missed and remembered by all who knew her and her beautiful smile.

A funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Chuck Roberts and held on Saturday, October 22 at Sunset Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo. Friends may visit the family from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Ashton Place in McLeansville NC and to the hospice staff of AuthoraCare Collective. Memorial donations are welcome at AuthoraCare, 2500 Summit Ave, Greensboro NC 27405 www.authoracare.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Bates family.