Reba Bates

Reba Arnea Denton Bates, age 88 of 111 Harrilson Road, formerly of Gastonia and North Brook, died June 29, 2013 at her residence. She was born May 18, 1925 a daughter of the late Vella Denton. Reba was a graduate of Ashley High School, a member of Sandy Plains Baptist Church in Gastonia and retired from Wix Corporation. She and her late husband were well known in their area for raising beautiful and abundant azaleas, Saint Bernard's and Poodle's.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Tyce Bates, a son Willard Timothy "Tim" Bates, a brother, Ernest Denton and a sister, Linda Tate.

Reba was eternally optimistic and positive, she selflessly cared for others above herself as Christ was her guide and example. Love was in all she did and said, so it is completely natural that she was an exceptional mother of 2, grandmother to four, and great grandmother of nine. We miss her, but as she fully believed, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." "She is survived by a son Randy J. Bates and wife Kathy, grandchildren, Michelle Taylor Bates, Monica Bates Wolverton and husband Brian, Randy J. Bates, II and wife Laura, Neman T Bates and wife Anna, Special adopted grandson, Alex Weiss, great grandchildren, Kristen Tolodziecki, Cameron Tolodziecki, Landry Wolverton, Audrey Wolverton, Brinkley Wolverton, Quinley Wolverton, Tripp Bates, Wallace Bates and Zen Bates and two aunts, Kate Hawkins and Hortense Cowan.

Funeral services will be held at Sandy Plains Baptist Church in Gastonia on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Richard Brown and Rev. Steve Henlsey officiating. Burial will follow in the church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 - 2:45 PM at the church.

Memorials may be made to Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 5323 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28056.

Condolences may be made to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net