Lois E. Bates
December 6, 2016
BATES, Lois E. - of Saginaw, MI, passed away Tuesday December 6, 2016 at Covenant Cooper after a brief illness. She was 96 years of age. Lois Cushman was born September 14, 1920 in Ludington, MI to the late True and Johannah (Karsten) Cushman. She married Russell Bates and he predeceased her. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and then Faith Lutheran Church. She belonged to Mary Martha, church quilting and Eastern Star. Lois had been employed at Deibel Co., Singer Co., Morley Brothers and Jacobson's. Surviving are: Two children and their spouses: Gerald (Carol) Bates, Patricia (David) Schultz; four grandchildren: Tricia (Brad) Woods, Christopher Bates, Jamie (Summer) Bates, Sheila (Dan) Seibald; three great-grandchildren: Benjamin Bates, Bryce Bates, Matt Seibald; many dear friends including Dorothy Seivert, Denny and Duane Wackerly, and Carol and Harry Davis. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Tracy Schultz; and her sister, Louise Blakely. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, December 9, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church, 4432 Mackinaw Rd. in Saginaw. Pastor Nancy Steele officiating. Cremation to follow. Inurnment will be in Roselawn Cemetery at a later date. Family will receive visitors on Thursday from 4-8 PM at Reitz Herzberg Funeral Home, 1550 S. Midland Rd (S-M47) and at the church on Friday from 10 AM until time of services. Memorials in her memory may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or the charity of one's choice. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.reitzherzberg.com, an O'Guinn Family Funeral Home. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Lois Bates, please visit our Tribute Store.
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I have known Mrs. Lois Bates for over forty years, starting when I worked for Morley Brothers fresh out of high school. Mrs. Bates took me under her wings teaching what she knew regarding the quality of various merchandise sold at the store and other businesses in our area. She helped in selection of gifts over the years. I was so glad to continue our relationship when she begin working at Jacobson’s. Lois was a wealth of knowledge and had a heart that was so giving.
The years she spent helping young people grasp the fundamentals of reading at Jesse Loomis School, and exploring the world of music through our area concert series were invaluable to so many. I and my husband kept in touch with Mrs. Bates through the years, inviting her to our home, so that she could see the decor lessons she taught put into play within our living spaces. Sharing our gardens and holiday decorations with Lois brought joy to us and I hope to her as well. Lois for my part was loved, cherished and will be missed.
Melva Renae Bond