Grace Louise Bates

Grace Louise McDonald Bates, 84, a resident of Benton, passed away Saturday, December 6, 2008, in a local nursing care facility. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Lucy Morgan McDonald, and was also preceded in death by her husband, E.L. Bates, son, Fred Henry Crumley, brothers: Robert, Walter and J.M. McDonald, and sisters: Sue Moorhouse, Kate Long, Alice Moorhouse, Blanche McDonald and Dorothy Bishop.

She is survived by her grandsons and their spouses: Steve and Raechel Crumley of Cleveland, and DeVance and Jennifer Crumley of Calhoun; brother, Robert "Johnny" McDonald of Benton; sisters: Edna Link, and Mary Lou Franks and husband Edgar, all of Benton; great-grandchildren: Dustin, Connor and McKenzie Crumley; step-son, Ronnie Bates of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, December 9, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with the Reverend W. L. Shipman and the Reverend Steve Dills officiating. Interment will follow in Benton Memorial Gardens concluding with a white dove release ceremony. Burch Bates, Johnny Bates, Paul Bates, Ronnie Bates, Tim Rogers and Nicholas Trew will serve as pallbearers.

Her family will receive friends from 6 -8 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2008, at the funeral home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Bates family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com