Wilma Bates

Wilma Jean Wessels Bates

1924-2020

Wilma Jean Wessels Bates passed away peacefully at age 96 on April 28, 2020 in Taos, New Mexico.  She was born in Ackley, Iowa on March 9, 1924 as the first child of Lyla and William Wessels.  When Wilma was five years old, her father died unexpectedly and the family moved to Bellflower, California to join her grandparents.  Wilma graduated from Excelsior High School (California) and Occidental College (Los Angeles) where she met her handsome husband-to-be, Samuel Bates, a U.S. Marine.  In 1944 they married in Washington, DC before Sam shipped out to the Pacific to complete his WWll service.  Wilma returned to California and had a brief teaching career. Upon Sam’s return from the Pacific they moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma where they lived for the next 52 years.

Wilma & Sam raised two daughters in Stillwater where she was a committed volunteer in the community.  In particular was St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where Wilma served faithfully for many years as a member of the alter guild. She took pride in being the first woman elected to the Vestry at St. Andrew’s and represented St. Andrew’s on both state and national levels. In 1963, she was invited to become a charter member of Delta Delta Delta when the fraternity colonized on the campus of Oklahoma State University. She served as building chairman, house corporation president and in many rolls as an advisor to the collegiate chapter.  Upon Sam’s retirement in 1997, she and Sam relocated to Angel Fire, New Mexico where they had spent many family summers.  Near and dear to her heart were Music from Angel Fire and St. James Episcopal Church, Taos, New Mexico, where she left an indelible mark on both. Wilma was talented, graceful and kind. She won many friends due to her hospitality and genuine interest in others.  Above all, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Wilma was predeceased by her parents and husband, Sam.  She is survived by her brother, Harold Wessels (Ruth) of Inglewood, California, daughters Linda Bates Stamm (Bill) of Phoenix, Arizona, Elaine Bates Brewster (John) of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Carrie Lawson, Brian Jackson, Jeb Brewster and Sam Brewster, seven great-grandchildren and her dedicated companion, David Loveless. The family would like to thank her friend, Anabel Aragon, Anvoi Hospice and the caregivers at The Taos Living Center for the kindness they showed to Wilma in her last days.  A memorial service will be held in the future at St. James Episcopal Church in Taos, New Mexico.  In lieu of customary memorials, the family invites you to send memorial contributions to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund at St. James Episcopal Church, 208 Camino de Santiago, Taos, NM 87571.  .  Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos.  To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com