Ruth Ann Bates, 83, of Herculaneum died Oct. 6, 2020, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Center in Festus. Mrs. Bates was a member of the former Assumption Catholic Church in Herculaneum. She was a retired cook of 30 years with the Herculaneum R-5 schools, a member of VFW Post 3777 Auxiliary and served on the Herculaneum City Council. She enjoyed flower gardens, dancing and giving away her favorite candy. Born Dec. 20, 1936, in Festus, she was the daughter of the late Gilbert and Hulda (Junge) Adams. She was preceded in death by her husband: Philip J. Bates Sr.
She is survived by a son: Philip J. Bates Jr. of Herculaneum; a daughter: Phyllis Marie (Robert) Justine of Hematite; two grandchildren: Cory (Marissa) Bates of Fenton and Jessica (Nathan) Warren of Hillsboro; and a great-grandson: Henry Warren.
She was preceded in death by two sisters: Wanda Rethwisch and Earline Lucas; and three brothers: Gilbert Adams, Charles Adams and Robert Adams.
A memorial gathering is at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at noon Saturday, Oct. 17, at Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home, 9115 Commercial Blvd., in Pevely. Burial will take place at a later date in the Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Herculaneum. Memorials may be made to the Crystal Oaks Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.