Esther S. Bates

 1918-2010

AUBURN — Esther S. Bates, 91, a resident of Line Road, Greene, died peacefully with her loving family by her side, early Sunday morning, Feb. 21, at Hospice House of Androscoggin in Auburn.

She was born May 30, 1918, in Lewiston, the daughter of Frank and Elsie Sprague. She was brought up by her dad and stepmom, Trenna, after her mom passed away when Esther was three years old. She attended school in Lewiston.

On Oct. 25, 1941, in Lewiston, Esther married Walter G. Bates. She was a housewife and also worked on the farm with her husband. No matter what he wanted to try, she would say “let’s go ahead, I’ll be there to help you.” Her family was her life and her joy was having her children with her. Her laughter brought joy, love and happiness to everyone she met. Those who spent time with her knew that her secret to life was having a great sense of humor. She was a great cook and was known for her delicious yeast rolls and apple pies. Esther was a member of the Greene Grange for 70 years.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Walter Bates of Greene; three sons, Wendell Bates of Monmouth, Roland Bates of Sebring, Fla., and Harold Bates and his wife, Sandy, of Greene; three daughters, Glennis Cayer and her husband, Clifford, of Elliott, Trenna Fulghum and her husband, Wes, of Blairsville, Ga., and Carleen Foisy and her husband, Richard, of Greene; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Evelyn Goding; three brothers, Frankie, Russell and Gerald Sprague; and her daughter-in-law, Geneva Bates.