Last month, Dan lost his Grandma Bates, his mother's mother. We were very sorry and saddened to hear of her passing. But we were very grateful that we had the chance to all get together in Denver back in June for her 97th birthday. She was excited to finally meet her youngest great-grandchild for the first time. We had a very nice visit with everyone and enjoyed watching Molly interact with her great-grandma, giving her hugs, kisses and showing her her doll. These are memories we will surely treasure and try our best to help Molly know who her Great-Grandma Bates was....a very unique lady who still lives on through her 2 children, and many grandkids and great grandkids.
Below is a beautifully written eulogy read at her funeral, written by Lesann Bettinger Hartman...Dan's sister.
Anna Bates, daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma, god-mother, and friend. It’s a fact; she raised two incredible children, truly adored her six grandchildren and was overcome with joy at even the mention of her eight great-grandchildren. She loved her family. She had a unique way of showing her love to each one. She loved everyone as an individual in her own special way and her family and friends knew she held a special place for each one in her heart.
Life was never dull when she was around. She had a big personality and honesty about her like no other. Anna loved having her children near. She could never have enough time with the two of them. As for her grandchildren, there was always an adventure waiting. She loved to shop and could make a whole day of eating at a fancy restaurant, then shopping for the perfect outfit. Going to the movies or Eliches was also high on the list. Often her adventures were traveling to wonderful, interesting, places both near and far where she collected many cherished items.
Anna loved to give things to those close to her. I’m sure almost everyone here has some memento that came from her home. It gave her great joy to see which treasure went to whom. Some other things that she enjoyed were growing plump, juicy tomatoes in her garden, and she loved to eat. Eating with her was not your typical dining experience; to her, it wasn’t just food, it was an experience to be savored, lingered over and appreciated. Trying to fatten up her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was always a mission of hers. That’s probably what the great-grandchildren will remember the most about her, great meals; along with little treasures to keep, her willingness to speak her mind, and her bright, tearful smiling face when she saw them, introducing them to everyone she saw.
You all will carry your own memories of her in your hearts forever. As you gather to pay your respects and grieve the loss of a woman who touched everyone here; remember that her prayers have been answered. Anna’s life was an adventure that lasted an amazing 97 years. It was rich with family and friends whom she loved and who loved her. Throughout those years you laughed together and cried together, supported, advised, and took care of each other. Now God has called Anna home and she is at peace. She is dancing with the angels, walking a new life.
Goodbye Grandma Bates...now it's time for you to go see Lester again...dance and be with him forever.
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