Roberta, 79, formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away May 27, 2020 at home surrounded by loving family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Bates.
She is survived by her brother, Bill (Patti) Armitage; daughters, Jennifer (Todd) Velderman, Melissa (Bob) Hong; grandchildren, Blake & Morgan Velderman, Adam Lacasse and Courtney & Emily Hong; and two great-grandchildren.
Bobbie met Jim at age 11, were childhood playmates and high school sweethearts. They were married 52 years. She attended the University of Michigan and earned a bachelor's degree in education and English, and later a master's degree in theater.
She taught college level grammar, literature, communication, and speech, and was later employed by the State of Michigan in the Department of Financial Aid.
Bobbie was an avid book reader and volunteered at the local library by helping run the used book sales. She shared her love of animals by volunteering at the Ingham County Animal Shelter. Bobbie and Jim loved to travel and were able to enjoy many parts of the world after retirement.
A memorial luncheon will be held in honor of Bobbie and Jim at a later date, to be announced.
Those desiring to make donations in memory of Bobbie may do so at Friends of the Okemos Library or the Ingham County Animal Shelter.
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing
She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Bates.
She is survived by her brother, Bill (Patti) Armitage; daughters, Jennifer (Todd) Velderman, Melissa (Bob) Hong; grandchildren, Blake & Morgan Velderman, Adam Lacasse and Courtney & Emily Hong; and two great-grandchildren.
Bobbie met Jim at age 11, were childhood playmates and high school sweethearts. They were married 52 years. She attended the University of Michigan and earned a bachelor's degree in education and English, and later a master's degree in theater.
She taught college level grammar, literature, communication, and speech, and was later employed by the State of Michigan in the Department of Financial Aid.
Bobbie was an avid book reader and volunteered at the local library by helping run the used book sales. She shared her love of animals by volunteering at the Ingham County Animal Shelter. Bobbie and Jim loved to travel and were able to enjoy many parts of the world after retirement.
A memorial luncheon will be held in honor of Bobbie and Jim at a later date, to be announced.
Those desiring to make donations in memory of Bobbie may do so at Friends of the Okemos Library or the Ingham County Animal Shelter.
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing
Roberta, 79, formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away May 27, 2020 at home surrounded by loving family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Bates.
She is survived by her brother, Bill (Patti) Armitage; daughters, Jennifer (Todd) Velderman, Melissa (Bob) Hong; grandchildren, Blake & Morgan Velderman, Adam Lacasse and Courtney & Emily Hong; and two great-grandchildren.
Bobbie met Jim at age 11, were childhood playmates and high school sweethearts. They were married 52 years. She attended the University of Michigan and earned a bachelor's degree in education and English, and later a master's degree in theater.
She taught college level grammar, literature, communication, and speech, and was later employed by the State of Michigan in the Department of Financial Aid.
Bobbie was an avid book reader and volunteered at the local library by helping run the used book sales. She shared her love of animals by volunteering at the Ingham County Animal Shelter. Bobbie and Jim loved to travel and were able to enjoy many parts of the world after retirement.
A memorial luncheon will be held in honor of Bobbie and Jim at a later date, to be announced.
Those desiring to make donations in memory of Bobbie may do so at Friends of the Okemos Library or the Ingham County Animal Shelter.
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing
She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Bates.
She is survived by her brother, Bill (Patti) Armitage; daughters, Jennifer (Todd) Velderman, Melissa (Bob) Hong; grandchildren, Blake & Morgan Velderman, Adam Lacasse and Courtney & Emily Hong; and two great-grandchildren.
Bobbie met Jim at age 11, were childhood playmates and high school sweethearts. They were married 52 years. She attended the University of Michigan and earned a bachelor's degree in education and English, and later a master's degree in theater.
She taught college level grammar, literature, communication, and speech, and was later employed by the State of Michigan in the Department of Financial Aid.
Bobbie was an avid book reader and volunteered at the local library by helping run the used book sales. She shared her love of animals by volunteering at the Ingham County Animal Shelter. Bobbie and Jim loved to travel and were able to enjoy many parts of the world after retirement.
A memorial luncheon will be held in honor of Bobbie and Jim at a later date, to be announced.
Those desiring to make donations in memory of Bobbie may do so at Friends of the Okemos Library or the Ingham County Animal Shelter.
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing
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