Edna E. Bates

A lifelong resident of the community she loved, Edna Bates was a blessing in the lives of everyone she met. A woman of faith, she was always willing to do whatever she could to help others in ways both great and small. An inspiration to so many, Edna and her beloved Ken exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be as they were soul mates, true companions, and best friends who were truly life partners in everything they did. The matriarch of her family, she was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom to include countless branches of loved ones that included great-great-grandchildren during her sunset years. Life will never be the same without Edna here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Nearly a century has passed since the calendar turned to welcome in the year 1918. During this time our nation faced challenges such as unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws, which meant that it was often this younger generation that paid the highest price. There was much to celebrate in 1918, however, as WWI came to an end, and America was recognized as a world leader for the first time. It was as the heat of August appeared in Washington Township in Whitley County, Indiana, that Henry Clyde and Jennie (Johnson) Sievers were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. The big day finally arrived on August 10th when the baby girl they named Edna E. drew her first breath. She was born on a farm that her parents rented, and as the Great Depression gripped the nation throughout the 1930s they moved around from farm to farm. Edna was one of six children in her family as she was raised alongside her siblings, Russell, Elmer, Irvin, Florence, and Louise. In many ways Edna was a young girl of her generation, and she attended Coesse School through the 11th grade.

Great things were in store for Edna when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Kenneth Bates, and it didnt take the couple long to fall hopelessly in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Edna and Kenny were married on her 17th birthday, August 10, 1935. The newlyweds first moved into a home on Hanna Street in Columbia City. Together they welcomed six children into their hearts and home including Charles, Barbara, Arthur, Thomas, William, and Dorothy. Edna and Ken later moved the family to the home they built on Chicago Street in Columbia City, which was the place she called home throughout the majority of her life. She and Kenny were meant for each other, and they were inseparable. The family enjoyed taking vacations together including the time their two boys were serving in the military so Edna and Kenyn took Bill and Dottie out to visit their son who was stationed in Northern California. They ended up extending the trip and traveled around California including a visit to Disneyland.

In addition to raising her children, Edna worked outside the home. She worked at the Blue Bell jean factory in Columbia City. As her youngest daughter started school, Edna worked at Precision Plastics and also served in the cafeteria at Mary Raber Elementary School. She was a great cook who put her skills to work at home as well. Edna also and enjoyed baking, making taffy, and also making popcorn balls at Halloween time. It was not uncommon to walk into her home and smell her freshly baked bread. Always resourceful, Edna made everything count always using up any type of scraps that were left over to make another dish including using pieces of leftover pie crusts to make homemade cinnamon rolls. Edna later retired from Weatherhead in 1981.

During their retirement years, Edna and Kenny traveled around the country in their fifth wheel, often visiting their family members located throughout the United States. They also enjoyed camping and were campground hosts at several locations. Several winters were spent in Zephyrhills, Florida. In 1990, Edna was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband. Although it was difficult for her, she kept living her life.

All who knew Edna would agree that she packed a lot of living into her 98 years. She was a faithful member at Thorncreek Bethel Church of God as well as a member of the Red Hat Society. By the time that she was 90 years old, Edna went from quilting, cross stitching, and crocheting to having her more adventurous side emerge. She did things like ride motorcycles with her son Bill, went up in a hot air balloon, and parasailed while at San Padre Island among other adventures. Edna always enjoyed reading but she also made the time to watch one of her favorite shows at the time, Wheel of Fortune.

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Edna Bates lived a life purpose while holding her loved ones near. She had a great sense of humor and a more fun-loving and adventurous side that became even more prominent as she aged. Edna was gracious and selfless when it came to her loved ones, and her family was her greatest source of pride and joy. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Edna E. Bates, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Ednas family includes her children, Charles (Sandra) Bates, of Oxnard, California, Barbara Thomas, of Columbia City, Thomas Bates, of Columbia City, William (Julie) Bates, of New Ulm, Minnesota and Dorothy Dottie (Mark) Pressler, of Churubusco; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Bates; son, Arthur Bates; brothers, Russell Sievers, Elmer Sievers and Irvin Sievers; and sisters, Florence Hawn and Louise Tharp.

Visitation is 1-2 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2017, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Her funeral services will start at 2 p.m. Following her service, Edna will be laid to rest beside her husband at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery. Her nephew, Pastor Richard Sievers will be officiating. Memorial gifts may be given in her memory to the Peabody Public Library or Audubon Society. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.