Willa Dean Bates (Deanie), 84, of Derby, KS, passed away April 11, 2017, in Derby, KS.

The funeral service was held in South Rock Christian Church with Reverend Jody Clegg of St. Louis officiating. Burial was in New Hope Cemetery in Lebanon under direction of Smith Mortuary.

Deanie was born in Long Lane, MO, to Goldie (Richardson) and Milton Davison on Sept. 15, 1932. She went to high school at Buffalo High School and graduated in 1951. She married Wayne Bates on Feb. 3, 1952. Deanie and Wayne owned and operated two shoe stores in Waynesville for 27 years and Bates Self Service Storage for many years before retiring in 1992 and moving to Walker.

Deanie spent her life serving her church and community. She served God through teaching Sunday School for over 50 years, was Superintendent of Bible School, led the Girl’s Auxiliary and was a leader in the Woman’s Missionary Union.

As a community leader, she held offices in the Waynesville Chamber of Commerce, served as a member of the Fort Leonard Club of Fifty, served on the Regional Council on Aging, and was elected Waynesville Business and Professional Woman of the Year. She was also an active member of Toastmasters.

Deanie was preceded in death by her late husband of 61 years, her parents, and one brother, Donald.

Deanie is survived by her five sisters – Elsie, Ina, Quintella, Marjorie and Darlene, and two brothers, Marvin and Norman; two daughters, Beverly and Connie; three grandchildren – Joshua McMullin (Erica), Sarah Dowell (Joshua) and Zachary (Amanda); and 10 great-grandchildren – Alexis, Eli, Katie, Ashley, Macy, Lily, Colton, Chloe, Dominic and Emily, and many nieces and nephews. Many called her friend.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rapha House Kids Club, 712 South Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Heartland Hospice for their support in her final days.

A graveside service will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20, in New Hope Cemetery in Long Lane.

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