TURNER – Wilhelmina M. “Billie” Bates, 68, of Bates Road, died at her home after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, Dec. 19.

She was born in Bremerton, Wash. on Jan. 13, 1936, the daughter of Richard and Elsie Lindsay.

Billie worked for many years as a Nutrition Aid and Family Resource Aid for the Androscoggin County Extension Service. She also volunteered with the Rural Community Action Ministry (RCAM) for many years as well as serving on the board of directors.

She was an active member of the Maine Angus Association.

She was an avid flower gardener and loved growing a huge vegetable garden. Her greatest joy was spending time spending time cooking for her family. She opened her door and heart to anyone she could.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Marshall C. Bates; her six children; daughters, Esther B. Yoder and her husband, Leo Gagnon, of Turner, Cyndy and her husband, Constant Merrick, of Turner, Merri and her husband Mo Baillargeon of Fryeburg; son, Rusty Bates and his wife, Brenda, of Clinton, Ken Bates and his wife, Donna, of Turner, and Patrick Bates and his fiance, Yvette Sleeper, of Turner; 11 grandchildren, Niki Spear, Amberly Yoder, Valarie, Mathias, Hannah, Rachel and Micaiah Merrick, Rebecca Baillargeon, Jennifer, Kenneth and Matthew Bates; two great-grandchildren, Alex Hobbs and Lincoln Spear; two brothers, Bob Lindsay of Washington, and Mike Lindsay of Oregon; and one sister, Lucy Azama of California.

She was predeceased by her mother and father; and a great-grandson, Jonathan.