Bernice W. Bates

Bernice Bates was born Bernice Wanola Northup on January 4, 1941, in Hyannis, MA to Tharold Northup and Verneta Orme.  After graduating high school, Bernice continued her education at Northwest Missouri State University where she met her future husband, Oren Bates.  Oren and Bernice were joined in marriage on June 7, 1964.  Oren and Bernice both loved to camp and enjoy the outdoors, spending many hours on the lake and water skiing.  She was very proud of the fact that she was able to water ski as a grandma.  Bernice worked many years with the MO Baptist Children’s Home.  In life, Bernice was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Peculiar, MO.  She served in several capacities over the years.  Most recently, her passion showed in her loving and diligent efforts to help underprivileged children through the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box program.  Bernice loved to clog.  She was a long-time member of the Cowtown Cloggers, anytime a song would come on she would start dancing a jig no matter where she was.  She loved taking care of her family, loved sewing, and was an enthusiastic crafter, not to mention, she was a wonderful and faithful writer.  Her grandchildren will have correspondence from her that they cherish.  She loved helping people and introducing them to naturalistic healing, whether it be magnets, essential oils, or reflexology.  She was truly an encourager, used her gifts well, and has left a beautiful legacy.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Tharold and Verneta Northup, and daughter Theresa.  Here to cherish her memory are her loving husband, of 59.2 years, Oren Bates; two children Travis Bates and his wife Esther; Troy Bates and his wife Sharla.  Four grandchildren, Shelby Soll and her husband Christian, Tayler B. Bates, Theresa Bates, and Ely Bates.  And one Great Grandchild, Isaac Shepherd Soll.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2023 at First Baptist Church-Peculiar, Peculiar, Missouri. With Internment at Belton Cemetery, Belton, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 2023 At First Baptist Church - Peculiar, Peculiar, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to Freedom Point Church, Garden City, Missouri and send in care of Dickey Funeral Home, PO Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.