FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Ala Jean Odum Bates
12/03/1928 — 06/24/2002
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Odum, Georgia
Ala Jean Odum Bates
Ala Jean Odum Bates passed away peacefully on June 24, 2002. She was born December 3, 1928 in Odum GA to Alverta Padgett and Hollie Roberson Odum. Raised in Georgia, she graduated from Jesup High School in 1948 after which she moved to Provo, Utah to attend Brigham Young University where she met J. Lambert Bates and in 1952 they were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. After graduation from Brigham Young University in 1953 the family moved to Salt Lake City to attend graduate school at the University of Utah. Following graduation in 1957, they moved to Richland, Washington.
Ala Jean's life was dedicated to her role as wife, mother and grandmother in her home. However, she also found time to be active in many community organizations including PTA president, Kadlec Hospital Auxiliary, Republican precinct committee chairman and Tops. For many years she loved her activity and associations in water aerobics. She held various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints including 14 years as an ordinance worker in the Seattle Temple and in as a compassionate service leader. Her outgoing personality made her a friend to all who knew her. Although a bright light has left us, her spirit will continue to light the lives of her children, family and many friends.
Ala Jean is survived by her husband of over 50 years, J. Lambert Bates. She is also survived by two sons and two daughters: Steven Lisa Bates of Idaho Falls, ID; Debra Mark Davis of Antioch, CA; Roger Sherri Bates of Tigard, OR, Holly Bates of Richland, WA as well as thirteen grandchildren. A son, Andrew Scott, preceded her in death as have her parents, three brothers Joe Forest, Hollie and Donald and two sisters Gloria Faye and Gwendolyn.
A memorial service will be held in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Thayer Chapel, 1720 Thayer Dr., Richland, WA at 11:00AM Friday, June 28,2002. A viewing will be held in Einan's Funeral Home on Swift and 240 Bypass from 5:00 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, June 27th and from 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Friday at the Thayer Drive Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Tri-City Chaplaincy-Hospice House in Kennewick, WA.
Ala Jean was a dear friend to all. She made us feel very welcome when we came to Richland. We have fond memories of the early days when we all migrated from Utah. We will always remember the shoe sales at the Uptown and could always count on running into Ala Jean. We enjoyed the Stake dances and the fellowship we developed here in Richland. She put up a good fight to the end and was courageous. We will miss her and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, The Johnson’s
We have the fondest of memories with Ala Jean and Lambert because of our common connections to one of God’s greatest creations- The Moose Creek summer home area. We will miss Ala Jean. She had a wonderful and caring personality. Our sympathies go out to J.Lambert and the entire family.
With Love,
Larry & Dorothy
She was my mentor and Ilove her so much. I will away remeber the good time we had togeother, and what she ment to me. Ilove you Uncle J Lambert.
Guestbook for
Ala Jean Odum Bates