Christine Claire Bates

Christine Claire Bates, 61 years of age, and a resident of Elyria, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, February 13, 2021, in Elyria, while surrounded by her loving family.

Chris was born July 28, 1959 ,in Amherst to the late Robert and Maxine Bates (nee: Garthe). She graduated from Amherst High School with the class of 1979.  With the exception of a brief time spent in Florida, Elyria has been Chris’s home till her passing

Chris was a bus driver for First Student for 16 years.  She was a graduate of cosmetology school.  Chris loved to serve others and had a passion for children which inspired her to serve as a foster parent for over sixteen years to as many as twenty children. 

Survivors include her children, Cassaundra Stone; Miranda Casteel; and Mariah Bates all of Elyria; grandchildren, Malakhi, Marayah, Maurice, Micah, Alina and soon to be born baby Robinson; her siblings, Cynthia (David) Whelpley of Elyria; Tamara (Steve) Connell of Elyria; Robert (Nancy) Bates of Olmsted Falls, OH; Thomas (Carol) Bates of Elyria; Daniel (Andrea) Bates of Elyria; and William (Sylvia) Bates of NY.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Maxine Bates.

Limited public visitation for family and friends will be held at Hempel Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 19th morning until early afternoon.  Those wishing to attend either should make a reservation at https://signup.com/go/ZmNfESA or phone the funeral home at 440-988-4451 during business hours of 9-5.  Funeral services will be held privately by the family.  Rebroadcasting of services will be available at http://www.hempelfuneralhome.com/ .  Burial will take place at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp., Ohio.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the family.

Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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