Obituary of Mardell Bates

Mardell Laverne (Joens) Bates, the daughter of Hans and Verna (Puhrmann) Joens, was born at Paullina, IA on October 7, 1931. Her childhood years were spent in Paullina attending the Paullina Elementary and Junior High school until the sixth grade. Her family then moved to Lake Park, IA, where she attended Lake Park High School. On March 25, 1949, Mardell was united in marriage to Donald Bates at Jackson, MN. She and Donald lived in Jackson for a number of years, as well as Spirit Lake for five years, Everly for three years, and Spencer from 1964-1973. While living in Spencer, Mardell worked as a bartender and a desk clerk for the Lamplighter Motel for 27 years. They moved to Hartley in 1973. Donald passed away on October 8, 1987. Mardell was currently living at the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, where she passed away on Monday, January 31, 2011, at the age of 79. She was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley, where she actively served on the Dorcus Circle, Missions, and the Social Concerns Committee. She was a member of the Friday Club and 500 Card Club. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, playing cards anytime, and was an avid bowler. She loved spending time with her family and friends and caring for her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; daughter, Melissa Bates; and brother, Arnold Joens. Mardell is survived by six children and their families: Melenda Bates of Spirit Lake, IA, Debbra Ansley and her special friend Denny Roskens of Hartley, IA, Donna Rae Bates of Ankeny, IA, Melody Hilbert and her husband, Terry, of Hartley, IA, Duane Bates and his wife, Peggy of Spencer, IA, and Shelly Jo Bates-Crowe and her husband, Milton, of Altoona, IA; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; a brother, Glen Joens and his wife, Nona, of Lake Park; a sister, Phyllis Davis of Algona, IA; several nieces and nephews and many friends. Celebration of Life Mardell Laverne Bates Born ~ October 7, 1931 Died ~ January 31, 2011 Age ~ 79 years 3 months 24 days Funeral Service Thursday, February 3, 2011 Trinity United Church of Christ Hartley, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Jeff Filkins Organist ~ Julie Back Soloist ~ Julee Burns Special Music ~ “The Lord’s Prayer” Congregational Singing Processional ~ “In the Garden” Recessional ~ “Amazing Grace” Pallbearers Maggie Norgaard Nathan Norgaard Desirae Iglehart Cortney Hartz Adam Ansley Jeremy Hilbert Jonah Hilbert Jordan Hilbert Samanatha Bates-Crowe Ashley Bates Emily Bates Chelsea Chapman Taylor Chapman Honorary Pallbearers 500 Club Ladies Ushers Greg Mills ~ Verdon Schmidt Interment Lone Tree Cemetery Everly, Iowa