Esther P. (Burnett) Bates |
| Posted 2015-09-04 by Gayle Nelson |
| Esther P. Bates, 101, of Homer passed away Sunday, June 16, 2013, at Countryside Retirement Home in Sioux City following a brief illness. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, with the Rev. Johnny Hilton officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Esther was born on December 19, 1912, in Walthill, NE, the daughter of Grover and Jennie Bell (Schafer) Burnett. She married Floyd Leon Bates on April 30, 1934 in Sioux City. To this union, three children were born. Floyd preceded Esther in death on March 23, 2002. Esther enjoyed painting scenery, drawing, and shopping but her greatest love was ministering to her community and being a faithful servant of God. She was a devout Christian and was an active member of her church the Gospel Lighthouse with the Rev. Graydon E. Graham. Esther never complained of any ailment and had a lively and fun outlook on life. She loved peacocks and doves, and anytime day or night would cook wonderful meals for her family. She is survived by her children, Lloyd Bates of South Sioux City, Rosaline Rich of Dakota City, and Sher and husband Jim Hogrefe of Sioux City; 12 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four sisters; one brother; son-in-law, Don Rich; and daughter-in-law, Shirley Bates. Pallbearers will be Kevin Bennett, Randy Rich, Alan Bates, Dallas Kampfe, Tylar McCulloch and Kenny Ryan. |