Obituary of Margaret Bates

Margaret "Sis" Louise (Evans) Bates March 11, 1938 - April 20, 2015 Margaret "Sis" Louise (Evans) Bates was born on March 11, 1938 in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of four children born of the late Clarence Frederick and the late Grace Alzyres (Rush) Bates. Margaret married the love of her life Joseph John Bates on June 15, 1953 in Monroe. From this union came the birth of four children. She helped to support her family as a Clerk for Danny's Fine Foods for over eighteen years, finally taking retirement in 2004. Margaret received her spiritual nourishment from Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe. She was a very loving woman who was proud of her family. Margaret enjoyed hosting family events, holidays, and cookouts on a regular basis. She kept a tidy home, for her guests and family to enjoy. Every spring liked to plant flowers and garden in her yard. In her down time you would often find her reading one of her favorite Danielle Steel books. Margaret "Sis" L. Bates, age 77, of Monroe passed away on Monday, April 20, 2015 in her home. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her loving husband of twenty-four years: Joseph John Bates on May 2, 1978; two daughters: Pam Martell and an infant child Jody Lynn Bates; sister: Jean Fazlani; brother: Richard Clarence Evans; grandson: James "Jimmy" R. Martell; and great-granddaughter: Danika Marie Cox. To cherish Margaret's memory she leaves two daughters: Denise (Jim) Martell of Carleton and Barbara Halliday of Monroe; a sister: Susan Grace (Allan) Cramer of Florida; six grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. Friends may gather from 3:00-7:00pm on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 7:00pm also at Merkle's with Pastor Mark Witte of Grace Lutheran Church officiating. Private Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.