Leoetta Ruth “Pat” Bates, 82, of Sheridan died Wednesday, April 22, 2009, in Sheridan Manor. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Brian Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

Mrs. Bates was born Aug. 29, 1926, in Wakefield, Neb., to Fred and Grace (Christopher) Strange. Her family moved in 1936 to Sheridan, where she attended grade school and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1944.

She married Kleo Sams in Sheridan in July 1944. They divorced in 1969.

She married Clyde Franklin Bates in Sheridan in July 1977. He died in November 1985.

Mrs. Bates worked in various motels in Sheridan and also in housekeeping at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

She enjoyed croquet, sewing, plastic crafts, collecting refrigerator magnets, the mountains, volunteering at Sheridan Senior Center, and especially time spent with family.

In addition to her husband, a daughter preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sons, Andrew and Jack Sams of Sheridan; two daughters, Margaret Swinyer and Linda Haler of Sheridan; two stepsons, Ruben Bates of Sheridan and Steven Bates of Evanston; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Memorials may benefit Sheridan Animal Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road, or Sheridan Senior Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

The Sheridan Press – April 23, 2009