Phyllis Lee Bates

Phyllis Lee Bates, age 74, died of complications from a blood infection on April 14, 2021 in Fort Myers, FL.  

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Kenneth Eugene “Gene” Bates of St. Louis, MO (Chillicothe, MO); her son Bradley Bates and daughter in law Tiffany Ravens Bates of St. Louis, MO; her daughter, Bridgette Flack and son in law Tim Flack of Memphis, TN; her four beloved grandchildren Madeline, Eli, Sabrina and Susanna; her sister Stephanie Rockel and brother in law Chris Rockel of St. Louis, MO; her brother Barry Hana and sister in law Beverly “Bonnie” Hana of Minneapolis, MN; She is preceded in death by her mother, Doris Hana and father Charles R. “Bud” Hana of St. Louis, MO.

Phyllis was born on January 4, 1947 in St. Louis, MO. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1968 with a degree in Elementary Education.  She married Gene Bates in 1969 and the couple had 2 children together.  Phyllis worked as a teacher and was most proud of her work building a home and a life for her family.

Phyllis was a social and active woman who was involved with fundraising events for juvenile diabetes research for many years.  She enjoyed golf, cooking, and gatherings with her friends and family.  Her family and friends will always remember her as a funny, loving, and generous person.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Phyllis on May 8 at 12 noon at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, MO.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Phyllis’ life.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

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