Gwendolyn Janette (Cross) Bates entered into rest on August 17, 2016 in Kennewick. She was born on August 20, 1920 in Bushnell, Nebraska to Edd and Lillie (Marshall) Cross. Gwen moved to Prosser when she was sixteen years old and resided in the same home all her life excluding the last year when she lived at Sheffield Manor. She met Forrest “Pappy” Bates in Prosser and on May 1, 1942 the couple married in Pasco. Forrest joined the Navy during WWII, serving from 1942 to 1945. In 1946, they had their first son, Rick and in 1948, their second son, Neale.
Gwen sold Fuller Brush for many years and made many beloved friends. She also enjoyed traveling, sewing, knitting, quilting, gardening and shopping. She was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church, White Cross and a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Her granddaughters, Brenda, Gina and Sheila, were her greatest joy. She loved to take them shopping and on many camping trips.
Gwen is survived by her two sons, Fredrick “Rick” Bates and wife, Robin of Prosser and Neale Bates of Spokane; eight grandchildren, Michael and Chris Plewak of Spokane, Brenda and Brian Slack of Kennewick, Gina and Sean Bradley of Prosser, Sheila and Dan Kassinger of Grandview, Toby and Brian Schweighardt of Hubbard, Oregon, Jason and Jessica Brock of Wenatchee, Cassandra Brock and Will Clark of Spokane and Jeff and Karissa Greeno of Spokane; seventeen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Edd and Lillie Cross; her husband, Forrest “Pappy” Bates; and many, many friends. Her wish is to be remembered.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Prosser (956 South Kenny Way). Concluding services and burial will follow in the Prosser Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church. You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com