Obituary of Wanda R. Bates

Wanda R. Bates, 95, of 9854 Ritter Road, Cattaraugus, died at 7:45 a.m. Friday (May 13, 2011) at Heritage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing. She was the widow of the late Anthony L. Bates, whom she married July 23, 1932 and who died January 1, 1981. Wanda was born on October 2, 1915 in Moundsville, WV, one of eight children of the late Frank and Sophia Tomcykiceweic Smith. She had been a member of the Conewango Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Wanda is survived by nine children: Dorothy (Thomas) Palmer of Massillon, OH, Audrey Hopkins of Humphrey, NY, Jonathan (Marge) Bates of Brant, NY, Lawrence (Nancy) Bates of Massillon, Timothy Bates of Otto, NY, Stella (Dave) Coleman of Summerville, SC, Suzanne Smith of Randolph, NY, Paul (Weltha) Bates of Cortez, CO and David (Linda) Bates of Randolph; 28 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and several great great-grandchildren; as well as two sisters and two brothers. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Nathaniel and Thomas Bates, and three sisters. A memorial service will be held at a future date to be announced. Visitation will not be observed.