Ruth Bates

Ruth A. Bates, 85, of Great Falls, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2015.A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 28, 2015 at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Ruth was born on November 1, 1929 in Almont, North Dakota to Albert and Mary (Voss) Schilling. She grew up in Idaho. She married Merrill Bates and together they built a cabin in Elk Trail Park. He passed away in 1996.She was a Jack of all Trades, an avid sportsman, and she loved canning and baking. She lived for children, whether they were hers or not, affectionately known as Grandma or Ma to everyone. She was an active member in the LDS church.Ruth had many hummingbird feeders that would attract all the hummingbirds in the area with her homemade hummingbird food.She is survived by her son, David W. Bates of Great Falls; daughters Beverly (Ken) Hager of Fairfield and Donna Marie (Dan) Kohles of Great Falls; brothers Ervin and August Schilling both of Washington; sisters Gladys (Sam) Morden of Idaho, Darlene (Mike) Gilbert of Washington, and Janice (Jack) Byrnes of Texas; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 6 great-great grandchildren.Ruth was preceded in death by her daughters, Anna Lucille Schilling and Carol Jean Dorendorf; granddaughter Rachelle Hager; husband Merrill D. Bates; four sisters; one brother; daughter-in-law Christine Bates; and her parents.