WILLA CHARLENE BATES

Willa Charlene Bates, 92, of Richmond, MO died at 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.
Mrs. Bates was born October 27, 1917 to Russ and Nellie (Jacobs) Denton. After the death of her mother, she was adopted by John and Lucy Steva. She married Smith Alonzo Bates on December 7, 1939; he preceded her in death on July 1, 1971.
Additional survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Sheilah Bates of Pleasant Hill, MO; one sister, Mary Lamb of New Hampshire; three grandchildren, M. Sean and his wife, Jackie Williamson, Geoffrey Bates and Zachary Bates; and four great-grandchildren, Jacob Williamson, Kyle Williamson, Max Williamson and Nick Canino also survive.
In addition to both sets of parents and husband, Mrs. Bates was preceded in death by one daughter, W. Anne Williamson; two brothers, Melvin Steva and Ernest Steva; and one sister, Zula Stopanske.
Mrs. Bates began her vast teaching career in one room schools and finished her career at Elkorn Elementary in 1994. In the same year, she was honored by the State of Missouri for 50 years of teaching and was presented the "Pioneers In Education" award at Jefferson City. She was a member of the Todd's Chapel Methodist Church. She was a lifelong Ray County resident.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Todd's Chapel Methodist Church or Todd's Chapel Cemetery.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 20, at 2:00 p.m., at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be Friday, November 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial will be at Richmond Memory Gardens in Richmond. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of the arrangements.