Marilyn “Lynn” Bates, age 87, was surrounded by family when she entered her heavenly home on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Lynn was born in Denver, CO on August 28, 1936 to Thomas and Hulda (Bahr) Fehr.

At four months of age, she journeyed to South Dakota so her parents could help family during the flu epidemic. Here her father caught pneumonia and passed away. Her Grandmother came back to live with them to help care for baby Lynn and her mother.

She lived in Lakewood, CO through the third grade. Lynn and her mother then moved to South Dakota for approximately five years before moving to Wisconsin for two years. They moved back to Lakewood, CO to be closer to her mother’s brother. She had a close relationship with her cousins and considered them siblings. She graduated from Lakewood High School and began nursing school. It wasn’t long, however, before she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Bates. They married in March 1956 and enjoyed 67 devoted years together. Lynn wanted a big family having grown up as an only child; they were blessed with five children.

Lynn and Bob always held hands. It was a silent expression that spoke volumes of love, affection, and comfort. They did everything together – always side by side; whether working in the yard, owning and operating a donut shop, grocery shopping, remodeling homes, repairing vehicles, or owning and operating a mobile pillow cleaning business.

Lynn was a wonderful wife and mother. She had an adventurous spirit; always ready to experience new things. Lynn and Bob stayed busy with traveling by RV, cruising on a motorcycle, metal detecting, camping, boating, and just enjoying God’s beautiful creation. She was an avid craft person. She crocheted numerous afghans and baby blankets. She created many plastic canvas treasures.

Lynn is survived by her five adoring children: Jean (Kirk) Maze of Elephant Butte, NM, Sandra (Mark) Fisher of Cocoa, FL, Vickie (Dave) Sieczkowski of Ravenna, NE, Terresa (Michael) Mack of Clayton, NM, and Russell (Cindy) Bates of Aztec, NM. Lynn is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 24 (soon to be 25) great-grandchildren. Also survived by her brother-in-law, Harold “Jim” Bates of Golden, CO. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert “Bob” Bates; parents, Thomas and Hulda Fehr; Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins – Donald Bahr, Barbara Baker and Janice Bahr. Also brother-in-law, Jerry Bates and great-granddaughter, Sierra Romolo.

Lynn was a gentle, quiet spirit; full of grace. Her abiding faith was a constant source of gladness, solace and assurance. She was deeply loved and will be truly missed. “For nothing loved is ever lost…And she was loved so much.” Until we meet again.

A Memorial Celebration Service will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Durward Wofford officiating.