Obituary of Russell Bates

Bedford Russell Bates, 80, of 3500 Washington Ave., Bedford, passed away at 2:17 pm on Friday, August 26, 2011 at Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital. Born December 7, 1930 in Lawrence Co., he was the son of William Bill and Lucille (Osterloh) Bates. He married Martha Jeanette Doane on April 12, 1952 and she survives. He retired from Visteon in 1992 and had also worked for Elliott Stone Co. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving in Korean War where he received several medals including the bronze star and purple heart. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette, of Bedford; a daughter, Marsha Ralston and husband, Greg of Bedford; two grandsons, Robbie Ralston of Orleans and Ryan Ralston and wife, Sarah of Bedford; two great grandchildren, Taylor and Aden Ralston; two nieces, Stacy Doane-Selmier and Austina Marshall and five nephews,Reno Bates, Darrell Doane, Scott Doane, J.T. Doane and Norman Taylor; three sisters-in-law, Juanita Taylor and Mona Bates both of Bedford and Mary Jane Doane of Mitchell; a brother-in-law, Jonnie Doane and wife, Peggy of Bedford; his caregivers, Bonnie, Kendra and Janet. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ronald and Roland Bates. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 31st at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Rick Eldred and Rev. Norman Taylor officiating. Entombment will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 30th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Building Fund or the Thornton Memorial Boys Club.