Barbara Jean Bates

Barbara J. Bates, age 93, of Beaver City, Nebraska passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Beaver City Manor. She was born on March 27, 1931 to Frank and Blanche Chesterman in Billings, Montana.

She was the sixth of seven children. She attended grade school in Pompeys Pillar, Montana. The family moved to Beaver City, Nebraska in 1945. She graduated from Beaver City High School in 1949. She attended numerous college courses in McCook and Kearney, Nebraska to maintain her teaching certificate.

On August 10, 1950, Barbara married Farrel Bates. They resided in Beaver City and raised three children. 

Barbara taught school in Hendley, Hollinger, and in a rural school southeast of Stamford. She served as the Furnas County Social Services Director for over two decades. With consolidation of the county offices, she continued to work in the State Social Services office in McCook, Nebraska until her retirement in 2001. She worked part-time on the cooking staff at the Beaver City Manor for seven years.

Barbara’s favorite pastimes were cooking, gardening, and maintaining her yard. Her mashed potatoes, cinnamon rolls and pies were always favorites at family gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Farrel, daughter Nancy Bates, and all five brothers and sister.

Survivors include sister-in-law Joyce Stratton, sons Tim and wife Susan Bates and Greg Bates, grandchildren; Jim Bates, Jeffrey Bates, and Jennifer Bates; great-grandchildren Elsa Bates, Anne Madison Bates, and Everleigh Bretton.

Live-streaming of the service will be available on Garey Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials may be given to the Beaver City Manor Dietary Service.