Arlene Bates
December 3, 1923 — April 4, 2016
Arlene Ruth Bates, 92, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died April 4, 2016 at Stone Hearth Estates, Gothenburg, NE.
She was born December 3, 1923 in Gothenburg, NE, daughter of Peter and Nellie (Young) Peterson.
Arlene grew up in the Gothenburg area. After her high school graduation, she taught in a rural school in the New Hope area. She married James Bates at Paris, OH, on July 10, 1945. To this union three children were born - Chauncey, Nanette, and William. They were a busy farm family. Arlene was involved in the American Legion, Elks, the Methodist Church, PVC, and Does. She enjoyed playing bridge, growing flowers, traveling, dancing, and painting. She had fond memories of her travels to Guam. She made four trips to Guam in five years to visit her daughter and family.
Surviving her are sons, Chauncey (Rosie) Bates of Gothenburg, NE, William (Jill) Bates of Neligh, NE, daughter, Nanette Bates of Gothenburg, NE; sister, Lavonne Peterson; five grandchildren - Kevin Bates of Lincoln, Jill (Travis) Sheffield of Omaha, Karina Kelly of Lincoln, Sarah (Joe) Brownell of Eau Claire, WI, Jordan Bates of Lincoln, two great grandchildren Sophia Napoli and Chauncey Sheffield; two sisters-in-law Earline Bates and Katherine Tarbet; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Arlene was preceded in death by husband, James C. Bates; father, Peter Peterson; mother, Nellie Peterson; three brothers, Raymond Peterson, Lloyd Peterson, and Glen Peterson; two sisters, Bernice Jorgenson and Yvonne France; son-in-law, Bob Kelly and an infant great grandchild.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, April 7, 2016, 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm. with the family present from 6 to 8.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Friday, April 8, 2016 at 10:00 am.
Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church, Gothenburg Honor Guard, and Gothenburg Historical Museum. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.