Grace R. Bates, Age 78, Of Battle Creek, Graciela Refugia Bates Lopez de Rangel, 78, of Battle Creek, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at Bronson hospital in Battle Creek. She was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 4, 1937, the daughter of Maria R. and Averlardo P. Lopez. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dr. DeLoss Clare Bates, and her seven children, Elizabeth (Keith) Patton, DeLoss Clare Bates III, Victoria (Michael) Bauer, Lawrence (Jennifer) Bates, Catherine (Christopher) Wilcox, Rebecca (Craig Hanger) Bates and Joseph (Jessecae Marsh) Bates. Their 14 grandchildren, Alanna, Gabrielle, Olivia and Madeleine Patton; Mason, Mitchell and Marcus Bauer; Jaiden and Chloe Bates; Tanner, Maxwell, Jackson and Spencer Wilcox; and DeLoss Hanger. Also surviving Grace are her siblings, Richard (Jane), Bertha and Augustine Lopez. As well as multiple cousins, nieces and nephews. She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in Detroit with a Bachelor’s of Science Registered Nurse in 1959. Her family moved from San Antonio, Texas to Milan, Michigan when she was four years old. Grace and Clare raised their seven children in Battle Creek, Michigan. Grace enjoyed reading, traveling, sewing, gardening, playing tennis and spending time with her family and friends. Visitation will be held prior to the service at St. Philip Catholic Church on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., with Father John Fleckenstein officiating. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Wattles Park Men’s Club. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. www.henryfuneralhome.org
