Elizabeth Bates

Elizabeth Jean Bates, 83, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away Friday, October 19, 2018 at ManorCare Health Services. Born November 13, 1934 in Harnett County, NC, she was a daughter of the late O’Neal Gardner and V. Kathryn Johnson Athey. Mrs. Bates was a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating various businesses throughout her career. She was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. She also enjoyed interior decorating, reading, and gardening. Her husband, Francis H. Bates, Jr., whom she married in 1953, preceded her in death on April 15, 1983.

She is survived by her daughter, Regina K. Bates of Prince Frederick, MD; her son, Luke J. Bates of Kitty Hawk, NC; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Lu Tucker, Judith Davis and Lynn Gardner. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Francis H. Bates, III in 2003; and her sister, Bonnie K. Chewning in 2009.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Richard Lyons at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Chambersburg. Interment will follow in Corpus Christi Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.