Jean Bates, age 89, of Washington, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Halcyon House.
The Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 19, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating. Calling hours will begin 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church where the family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County or St. James Catholic Church. Online condolences may be sent for Jean’s family at www.jonesfh.com.
Jean was born August 28, 1935, in Brighton, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard and Genevieve (Kurtz) Fritz. She graduated from Brighton High School. Jean was united in marriage to Merle Bates on August 25, 1953.
She was a member of St. James Parish and a member of Catholic Daughters. She worked for Washington County Home for thirteen years. Jean loved working on the family farm and enjoyed camping. Once her children were raised, she warmly welcomed foster children into her home. Jean also enjoyed her time spent with her friends, the Brighton Bears. She would spend hours visiting the elderly and went on many service trips to the Appalachian Mountains to help others in need. Jean will be remembered as a woman of great faith, extraordinary strength, and a servant’s heart.
Jean was happiest when spending time with her large family. She was always the calm among the chaos. She was also the catalyst of so many family traditions, many of which surrounded the holidays. Christmas pajamas, memorable ornaments, and making paper chains were treasured by her children and grandchildren. Making “Grandma Jean” cookies with her grandchildren and great grandchildren was above all the most memorable, as well as yearly trips to Adventureland.
To her family, Jean was their role model. She served others without wanting recognition or admiration, but helped others because it was the right thing to do. She was a beautiful example of how to live selflessly, keep faith at the center of everything you do, and quietly serve others. Through all stages of her life, Jean left lasting footprints on the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Those thankful for sharing in Jean’s life include five children: Mike (Karen) Bates of Washington, Iowa; Chris Long of Washington, Iowa; Kathy (Gary) Crawford of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Jolisa (George) Pfeifer of Wayland, Iowa; Mary (Andy) Hora of Riverside, Iowa; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Gary (Arlene) Fritz of Brighton, Iowa; Larry (Pat) Fritz of Washington, Iowa; brother-in-law, Bob Redlinger of Washington, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Kiley Crawford, son-in-law, Phil Long and sister, Sharon Redlinger.