Ellen J. Bates, 73, of Coldwater, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at her home.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in
Coldwater with Pastor David Pierce officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation
will be held Sunday, February 24, 2019 from 2-7:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Ellen was born June 23, 1945 in Vicksburg, MI to Willard & Elizabeth (Kiewiet) Mohney. She graduated
from Vicksburg High School in 1963 and married Charles D. Bates on November 26, 1966 in Mendon.
Mrs. Bates was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker and had worked a short time at the
Kalamazoo State Hospital. Ellen, along with her husband Charlie, opened Bates Tractor and Equipment in
Coldwater in 1977. Together they have operated their family business for 42 years.
Ellen was very dedicated to the Coldwater community and selflessly gave much of her time volunteering
to local organizations. She was a former member of Altrusa and had worked at the Branch District
Library. Ellen was very active with the Branch County Fair where she was a lifetime member and
superintendent of the Home Economics building. She could always be found taking tickets at the
amphitheater or as ticket master for the draw down. Ellen also found time to volunteer at the St. Joseph
County Fair. She was an avid collector of cardinals and earned the honor of Ag Citizen of the Year. To
know Ellen was to love her, she adored her family, especially her grandchildren.
Ellen is survived by her husband Charlie, her children Susan Bates (Brian Smith), Cheri (Chris) Weems all
of Mattawan, David (Kerri) Bates of Coldwater, her grandchildren Jake & Allison Weems, Bodee & Bailee
Bates, her brothers and sisters Joe (Mary Anne) Mohney of Brownsville, TX, Patricia (Stan) Makowski of
Vicksburg, Larry (Phyllis) Mohney of Frohna, MO, Mary Soule of Baldwin, Bill (Linda) Mohney of
Vicksburg, Brenda (Clyde) Wayne of Schoolcraft, Dennis (Connie) Mohney of Kalamazoo, Mark (Janie)
Mohney of Casco WI, sisters and brothers-in-law Diane Mohney of Kalamazoo, Tom & Cathie Bates of
Easley, SC and many nieces and nephews whom were all her favorite. She was preceded in death by her
parents and brothers Johnny Bill and Dan Mohney.
Memorials may be directed to the Branch County Fair.
