Velma Bates, 90

Velma Bates, 90, of Griswold, passed away Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, on the family farm west of Griswold.

Velma Helen Bates was born to Charles Arthur and Sena Katharine (Meier) Leighton April 12, 1921, south of Griswold.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dean E. Bates; parents; siblings, Dorothy Rodwell, and Wilbur, Everett, Harold and Donald Leighton; son, Kendall; a grandson; and a great-granddaughter.

Velma is survived by her children, Connie Bryant, of Casper, Wyo., Diane Bates, of Council Bluffs, Nancy Wolverton, of Menlo, Elton Bates, of Oakland, Linda Harry, of Knoxville, Randall Bates, of Griswold, Larry Bates, of Craig, Neb., Rodney Bates, of Griswold, and Rebecca Cajayon, of Knoxville; 22 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley, of Lenoir, N.C.; and brother, Lester, of Griswold.

Funeral services will take place Wednesday, Feb. 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the Griswold United Methodist Church. An open visitation will be at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold on Tuesday. The family will be present to receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Funeral Home. Interment will be at Whipple Cemetery. Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of arrangements.