Florence Elvera Vaplon-Bates

Florence was born in Greeley Colorado on March 20, 1925. She transitioned into her eternal home on December 16, 2019. She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Greeley on Monday December 23, 2019 at 1:00pm.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Edward Bates, Sr. and her first husband, Richard Lawrence Vaplon; her brother Oscar Anderson (Bertha), sisters: Agnes (Chester Stevens), Clara (Edward Bernd), and Mabel (Carl Wilson); her parents Johannes Anderson and Emma Ericson both from Sweden; Granddaughter Christine Anne Bates.

She is survived by her children through marriage: James Edward Bates, Jr. (Vicky), Donald Eugene Bates (Brenda), and Mary Elizabeth Hargrove (Calvin).

Grandchildren: Raina, James, Robert, Megan, Stephanie, Daniel, Tanya, Christopher, Anthony, Timothy, Amanda, Michael, Nicholas, and several great grandchildren.

Florence was in the United States Navy and was awarded the Good Conduct medal and National Defense Service medal.

Her hobbies included: Crocheting, reading, puzzling, playing bingo, watching and attending baseball games (Colorado Rockies), and spending time with family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Grace Evangelical Free Church in Longmont, CO or to the American Heart Association in her name.