Edith Gay (Cunningham) Bates

Edith Gay Bates, 91, of Mtn. Grove, formerly of the Embree Community, died Wednesday, November 2, 2011 in the Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mtn. Grove, Missouri, at 91 years of age.
She was born on April 6, 1920 in Manes, Missouri to John E. and Bessie (Tracy) Cunningham, who preceded her in death.
On May 17, 1935, she was united in marriage to Arlo James Bates, who preceded her in death on July 17, 1975.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter: Gaylene E. Morehouse; a grandson: Anthony Bates; a great-granddaughter: Amanda Stenger; one sister: Ruth Hurley; and by triplet siblings who were born and died on January 16, 1915.
Edith was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and homemaker who loved to sew, crochet, and take care of her flowers.
She accepted Christ as her Savior many years ago and was always a faithful and loyal worker in her church.
Edith is survived by two sons: Leroy Bates and his wife, Delores, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Lester Bates and his wife, Venita, of Huggins, Missouri; a son-in-law: Wayne Morehouse of Richland, Missouri; three sisters: Mary Goldsmith of Springfield, Missouri, Rua Headley of Lebanon, Missouri, and Lois Doty of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren: Donna S. Stenger, and friend, Nolan Mace, Lea Ann Lemoine and her husband, Ray, Patti Niebruege, James Bates and his wife, Carla, John Bates and his wife, Jennifer, and Penny Cornelison; eleven great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren: six great-great-grandchildren: four step-great-great-grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends who will sadly miss her.

Memorial Contributions:
Dutch Chapel Cemetery c/o the funeral home.