Cleone D. Bates Obituary
G. Cleone Bates, of Oakland, IA passed away on October 29th at the age of 93 years, 6 months and 10 days.
Cleone was born in Triplett, Mo. on April 19, 1929, the eldest daughter of Melvin and Frances (Overman) Duffield. Her early years were spent in Missouri and Minnesota before her family moved to the Oakland, Ia. area. She is a graduate of Oakland High School. On August 29, 1946, she was married to Robert M. Bates in Hiawatha, KS. They farmed the Bates family farm until moving east of town in 1960 where they continued to farm on both the east side of Oakland as well as their farm on the west side. They moved into their home in town in 1984 and continued to actively farm until Robert's death in 2004. She continued to oversee the farming until her death. Their daughters will continue with overseeing the Bates centennial farm.
Cleone was a member of the Oakland Christian Church, Farm Bureau, Friday Book Club, Mother's Club and Woman's Federated Club.
Cleone was a supporter of all their farming endeavors and their daughters' activities in band, chorus, church and 4-H and made sure they learned how to swim even though they had to go to Avoca as there was no pool in Oakland. Cleone entered work outside their home when their youngest daughter entered college. Cleone worked in the Oakland school cafeteria, then began her tenure as an East Pottawattamie 4-H Extension aid for many years. She clerked many sales where Charles Pierce was the auctioneer. She also worked at Hardware Hanks, Wolfe's Jewelry in Atlantic, IA and Jack's Steak House as a cashier. Often times while working there, her youngest daughter would call Jack's and place a large to-go order and then tell her it was all in jest! This always provided them with a good laugh.
Cleone was an avid housekeeper, gardener, helpmate, and baker which she instilled in her daughters. Cleone often transported others to doctor appointments or for treatments when they were unable to do so for themselves.
Cleone loved to read and travel especially enjoying their yearly trips to the Caribbean and to Las Vegas with friends.
Cleone leaves behind to celebrate her life: Peggy Jean Hunke and husband Dale of Pilger, NE, and Bobette Maire Taylor and husband James of Elgin, IL. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Judith Ann Hagstrom and husband Ed of Goodyear, Az. and one brother Jerry Lynn Duffield, as well as great nieces and nephews.
Preceding Cleone in death was her husband, Robert M. Bates, her daughter, Penny Ann Akers of Exira, Ia., her sister, Bettye Jo Hansen of South Africa and one son-in-law Robert Akers of Exira, Ia.
Services are as follows: Visitation: November 5th Christian Church, Oakland, Ia 1 – 2 PM. Funeral services immediately following. Interment is at Oaklawn Cemetery, Oakland, Ia. A reception of coffee and cookies to follow burial at the church. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
