Helen C. Bates' Obituary
Decatur – Helen C. Bates, 83, of Decatur, passed away at 8:20 am Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at her residence.
Services to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, April 24, 2009 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment with the “Flight Home” Ceremony will be at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Helen was born March 8, 1926 in Vandalia, the daughter of Raymond and Anna Louise (Werner) Stine. She married Ralph S. Bates on June 2, 1946 in Decatur. He preceded her in death on March 18, 1987.
Helen had a heart for service and for those in need. She served many years as a volunteer preparing meals and baking for the Oasis, Good Samaritan Inn, and the Water Street Mission. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother.
She leaves behind three daughters: Linda Gurley of Harristown, Kathy Dunn of Decatur, and Nancy (Ben) Skaggs of Decatur, two grandchildren: Buffie (Brian) Young of Fisher, and Chelsea Gurley of Harristown, two step-sisters: Sondra Hastings of Taylorville, and Jenny (Wayne) Phillips of Vandalia, and three great grandchildren: Weston, Madelynn, and Cyrus.
She was reunited in heaven with her husband: Ralph, parents, step-father: Alec Wilson, and son-in-law: Patrick Gurley.
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