Peggy J. Bates
Peggy Joyce Bates, age 79, of Leslie, MO, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Sunset Health Care Center in Union, MO, holding the hand of her eldest daughter, Debbie.
Peggy was born July 19, 1940 in Moselle, MO, the daughter of Madie Skaggs (Woody). She was raised in Union, MO and graduated from Union High School, class of 1958. After graduating high school, Peggy began working at Wolff Shoe Company, where she met her husband, Dewey M. Bates, Jr. She and Dewey were united in marriage on March 6, 1959 in St. Clair, MO, and together they raised four children in Spring Bluff, MO.
Peggy retired from Wolff Shoe Company after more than 30 years of service and many lifelong friendships made. After retiring, Peggy enjoyed traveling to Colorado Springs, CO to visit her middle daughter, Lori, and her grandchildren. Her favorite destination was Garden of the Gods, where she said she felt a sense of peace and closeness to God. Peggy was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Union as a young girl and became a member of the Spring Bluff Baptist Church after her marriage. She enjoyed listening to gospel music and reading devotionals.
Peggy enjoyed being at her home and often commented, “It is nice to go, but it is always nice to come home.” She shared her passion for gardening with her youngest daughter, Julie, with whom she lived with. She was an avid reader of Fern Michaels, Janet Evanovich and Sandra Brown. Peggy enjoyed spending time with her family, celebrating holidays, birthdays and life’s milestones. At family gatherings, her daughters never missed an opportunity to tease Peggy with good nature that her son, David, was the favorite child since he was the oldest. Her family was grateful for and loved Peggy very much. She will be deeply missed.
Peggy is survived by her children: David Bates and his wife, Kathy of Union, MO, Debbie Clark and her husband, Randy of Spring Bluff, MO, Lori Zeringue of El Cerrito, CA, and Julie Bates of Spring Bluff, MO; a sister, Florence “Sue” Lawrence and her husband, Robert of Spring Bluff, MO; twelve grandchildren: Jeremy Bates of Sullivan, MO, Shelby Witt and her husband, Joseph of Leslie, MO, Christopher Kahlenbeck of St. Clair, MO, Brandon Duncan of Owensville, MO, Justin Duncan and his wife, Ashley of Springfield, MO, Katie Duncan of Union, MO, Colton Duncan of Sullivan, MO, Maxwell Clark and Maggie Clark, both of Spring Bluff, MO, Steffany Trout and her husband, Evan of Farmington, PA, Caleb Zeringue and husband, Jason Vorenkamp of San Francisco, CA, and Mandi Zeringue of Tecumseh, OK; thirteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey M. Bates, Jr.; her parents, Madie and Bryan Skaggs; one infant sister, Sandra Kay Skaggs; and son-in-law, Dennis Duncan.
A Memorial Service was held 2 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO, with visitation preceding the service from 12-2 p.m. Inurnment was held in Cave Spring Cemetery, Sullivan.
Memorial contributions in Peggy’s memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and/or Sunset Health Care Center in Union.
Condolences may be shared with the Bates family online at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, MO.