Lois M. Bates
August 11, 1936 – December 17, 2024
A Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Otsego United Methodist Church, 223 E. Allegan St., Otsego. Friends may call on the family following the service at the church. Memorial Contributions may be made to Animals Best Friend or Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, in c/o the funeral home
Obituary
Age 88 of Plainwell, MI, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at Butterfly Oasis in Kalamazoo, MI. Lois was born on the family farm in Decatur, MI, on August 11, 1936, to Joseph and Frieda (Lyle) Kusmack. She graduated from Decatur High School and on August 25, 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Willis “Bing” Bates. Together they had three children. During her children’s teenage years, she was affectionately known as “Ma Bates.” She was endlessly cooking for teenagers at the family cottage on Lake Michigan. Lois was proud of being the first woman radio dispatcher for the Portage Police Department. She later went on to finish her degree in teaching from Western Michigan University and taught for the remainder of her career at Decatur Public Schools. After retirement, Lois was actively involved at the Portage Senior Center. She enjoyed the activities, exercise and took many trips including to Peru, Galapagos Islands and South Dakota for the Buffalo Round-up. She was a member of GLAMA (Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association) and enjoyed Bluegrass music festivals in Michigan and North Carolina. Lois loved the holidays, especially Christmas and enjoyed entertaining at her annual Christmas Eve Open Houses at their Portage home. Surviving are her children, Allen (Deb) Bates, Barry (Cheryl) Bates and Willo (Kevin Price) McGee; her grandchildren, Kayce (Jarret) Geering, Morgan (Seth) Schuler, Katie (Mac) Harmon, Kristy (Edward) Kamar; step-grandchildren, Christopher McGee, George (Meg) Devales, Steph (Jeff) Short, Alaina Devales; fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Josephine Pape and Dorothy (Jerry) Price; sister-in-law, Carol Marlett; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends. Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, “Bing”; son in law, Richard McGee; sister, Linda (Henry) Hinton, brothers in law, Phillip Pape and William Marlett. The family cannot thank her caretakers at Absolute HomeCare and at Butterfly Oasis enough for their skill and compassion and for taking such good care of Lois in her last months.
My thoughts are with Willo and the family. I will always remember the endless stories that Lois had to share with everyone. The laughs, the stories and the party times. She will live on in our memories and bring a smile to our faces.
My most heartfelt sympathies go out to Willo and Kevin, Barry and Cheryl, Al and Deb, Aunt Josie and your entire family. Mom Bates leaves such a legacy… her beautiful foot print has impressed upon my soul. She was beautiful inside and out. I always admired her intelligence and cultural awareness. So very kind… always so very kind. Great sense of humor, with her giggles and happy disposition, she was a ray of sunshine, cheery and full of life. Always generous and inclusive, and I always felt welcome in her home. She was very proud of her beautiful children, grand-children and great grand children. She had a full and beautiful life, and I have a richer and more full soul having known her. My friendship with Willo for 50 years reflects Lois’s influence. Lois will be missed, and forever remembered in the most loving and grateful way. Rest in Peace Mom Bates… we will continue to honor you and toast your beautiful ways.
I just learned of Lois’ passing. I am so sad and sorry to hear about this. I had the pleasure of knowing Lois while working as an aide and teacher for Decatur Elementary. We carpooled for many years. I enjoyed Lois’ humor and company. My sincere condolences go to her children; Willo, Barry and Al and their spouses and other family members. May memories comfort you always.