DOROTHY I. BATES
“For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death. Ps. 48:14”
Dorothy I. Bates of Greene, NY entered into the presence of the lord and joined her husband, Robert, son and infant daughter on April 30, 2015 at the age of 93. She was born in Cameron Mills, NY on November 13, 1921. Her parents, Howard and Beatrice Robinson; sister, Barbara Banks and brothers, Howard and Ralph Robinson predeceased her. Dorothy was also predeceased by her loving husband and best friend of 55 years on September 2, 2004 as well as their 10 year old son, Jack and infant daughter. She is survived by three wonderful children and their spouses. Daughter, Debbie and husband David Depue of Greene; two sons and their wives, Zane and Debra Bates of Greene and Dale and Rebecca Bates of Cincinnatus, NY; as well as grandchildren, Nathan, Matthew, and Micah Bates, Christopher, Sara, Michael and Tyler Depue and Robbie, Jessie and Rachael Bates. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins, and soon to be nine great grand children. Dorothy was a 1938 graduate of Greene Central School and a 1943 graduate of Oneonta State Teachers College with a BE in education. After teaching for five years in three area schools, she returned to Greene where she spent 19 years teaching retiring in 1977. She taught kindergarten for three years and 1st grade for the rest of her career. She loved teaching her students to read and gave each individual attention. She not only started every day with the pledge of allegiance but also with a prayer. She also taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for many years. Dorothy and her husband Robert were founding members of the Berean Bible Church south of Greene. She later attended Central Baptist Church in Binghamton. Mom will be remembered by her children as a teacher who continued to teach at home, she expected us to do our best. We will also remember her unwavering Christian faith which she shared with each of us and her grandchildren as well.
A funeral service will be held on May 9, 2015 at 3:00pm at the Kennedy Funeral Home Inc., Greene, NY. With Reverend Robert Mattox of Central Baptist Church officiating. Calling hours will be held from 1:00-3:00pm prior to the funeral service also at the funeral home. The internment will be held in the Sylvan Lawn Cemetery, Greene, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the Central Baptist Christian Academy, 1606 State Rte 12 Binghamton, NY 13901 or the Greene Emergency Squad, North Canal St. Greene, NY. Arrangements are by the Kennedy Funeral Home Inc.