Rita Bates

Ora Rita Bates, 76, died June 26 at 11 p.m. of natural causes while being taken to Hamilton General Hospital.

Born Oct. 24, 1944, to Ira James Bailey and Sammy Lucille Bailey, she was the youngest of 13 siblings. Rita grew up at Evant and graduated Evant High School. She mar ried Roy Stanley Bates on Nov. 27, 1960, and had five children, Ricky Don Bates, William Randy Bates, Rodney Arvel Bates, Cynthia Renea Kirksey and Rochelle Irene Nimteman.

Rita got her nursing license for LVN in 1981 and spent the rest of her life caring for others whether at hospitals or nursing homes. She was always willing to help others even if it meant taking them in until they could support themselves.

She had 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Roy Bates; sister Otea Pafford; and her children.

She will be missed by many who called her grandma and friend.

RILEY FUNERAL HOME