Munising's
Betty (Dave) Karbon's parents,
Thelma Ruth Bates (1926-2016)
&
Verne Jack Bates (1924-2009)

Mrs. Thelma Ruth Bates, 90 of Kawkawlin, Michigan, formerly of Hillman, died peacefully at the M&M Adult Foster Care Home in Kawkawlin on June 19, 2016. She was born in Sheffeild, Alabama on May 1, 1926 to the late, John Milton Ferrell and Ruth M. (Vincent) Ferrell. She worked in job quoting at Wayne Wire where she spent over 30 years working before retirement. She moved from Hillman in 2009 and lived with her son for a short time in Pinconning before residing in Kawkawlin over the last four years. Thelma was a member of the Hillman United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary Post 2356 of Hillman. She had an interest in holistic medicine and natural foods and loved to cook when family and friends were over. It was often said that you never left her house hungry. She also enjoyed to sew and go for long walks, but above everything, she enjoyed her time spent with family and those closest to her. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her son, Verne (Tamyra) Bates Jr. of Pinconning; daughters, Charlotte (John) Cox of Bay City; Betty (David) Karbon of Turner Falls, Massachusetts; Rita Bates of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Cindy (Kevin) Hunt of New Baltimore; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and sister, Sue Pounders of Tuscumbia, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Ferrell; husband, Verne Bates Sr; grandson, Kevin Hunt Jr.; brothers, Alvie Lee, Russell; Arthur Harris "Jack"; and Thurman M. Ferrell; and sister, Millicent Marie Gratten.

The Bates family would like to extend their appreciation towards M&M Adult Foster Care Home of which became a second family to Thelma.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bates was held at 11:00AM on Friday, June 24, 2016 at the Hillman United Methodist Church; Hillman; Pastor Lisa Kelley officiated. Visitation took place from 10:00AM until time of service with interment following at Hillman Rust Township Cemetery.