Helen Frances Bates Obituary
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Helen F Bates, loving, devoted, and much loved mother, cherished grandmother and great grandmother passed away, quietly in her sleep, surrounded by her family.
Helen was always full of love, life and joy. She always opened her home to anyone in need. Helen was 74 yrs old. She was born Jan, 30, 1950, in Charleston, SC, to Anna and Frank Shephard. Helen had a love for family, country music, singing and helping others. Helen was an Auxiliary member at Campbell American Legion Auxiliary. Her love for music led her to start her own band, Leather and Lace, they played local bars and special occasions. She was also a contestant on You Can Be A Star and placed 3rd, singing Sweet Dreams, by Patsy Cline. Patsy Cline was her favorite Female Artist. She was an avid house keeper for many doctors in Corning. For many years she was the grounds keeper at the Coopers Plains Cemetery.
Her family always came first, She would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Helen loved spending as much time as possible with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her granddaughter, Carrie Cole, her great grandson, Tucker Mills, grandson, Michael Sutton and her daughter-in-law Nicole Stigers. She is survived by her daughters, Ida (Tom) Austin, NY, Paula Cole, SC and Laurie Cole, AZ., her sons, Tim Cole (Sherri), NY, Richard Cole Jr, NY, Joseph Cole, NY, Kenneth Cole, NY, David (Gloria) Stigers, Montour Falls, grandchildren, Nick, Scott, Ashley, Josh, Derek, Tom Jr, Adam, Brandy, Anthony, Harley, Debbie, Jeremy, Becky, Eric, Dustin, Piper, Peyton, Paisley, Jaleesia, Dominick, Nora, Graci, and Leah, and several great grandchildren.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. You will be in our hearts forever.
LOVE YOU MORE, MUDDA. Please celebrate her life by singing and dancing, as that is the way she would want you to remember her.
We invite you to come celebrate her life with us at the Campbell American Legend, 8458 County Route 333 on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 6p - 9pm.
