Betty Ruth Berry Bates, 89, retired Bookkeeper for Bel Aire Health Care and resident of Columbia, died Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Life Care of Columbia.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Reverend Chris Caldwell officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Mount Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials to Columbia First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1106 Nashville Highway, Columbia, TN 38101.
Born May 25, 1934, in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Hugh Jonathon Berry and the late Leola Elizabeth McCawley Bates. On June 12, 1953, she married Reverend Robert Harold Bates who preceded her in death December 17, 2009. A loving Christian wife, mother, and grandmother, she enjoyed singing with her husband and singing around her home. Her children will always remember the nightly Bible stories she read to them. Mrs. Bates was a past member of the Order of Eastern Star and Church Women’s Organization. She was a member of Columbia First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School and was a in the choir.
Survivors include her children, Deborah Ruth (Terry) Skillington of Columbia; Rebecca Keren Vernon of Columbia; grandchildren, Sara Elizabeth (Travis) Hann of Columbia; James Patrick Skillington of Columbia; Jeffery Harold Vernon of Columbia; and great grandchildren, Joshua Hann, and Jacob Hann.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, David Jonathan Bates; brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Betty Berry; and son-in-law, John Vernon.
Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Upshaw, James Upshaw, Conner Upshaw, Briggs Primm, James Moser, Bob Brooks and Travis Hann. Honorary pallbearers include the staff of The Gardens at Life Care and the office staff, Nancy and Bella; as well as her caregiver, Jodi Ashley.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff at The Gardens for the care given to their mother.
