Storrs Obituary: Shirley Bates, 88

Shirley (Lincoln) Bates, 88, of Willington, beloved wife of the late Vaughn R. Bates, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Evergreen Health Care in Stafford Springs.  

Shirley was born in Chaplin, CT, daughter of Robert Lincoln and Mabel (Fitts) Beebe.  After growing up in Storrs and graduating from Windham High School she met the love of her life who was in the Air Force.  During their marriage they traveled to many states while raising their family.  

In 1964 Willington became their permanent home and she became an active part of the community before she moved to South Windsor two years ago.  She was a longtime member of the Federated Church of Willington, where she served as a former treasurer, was on the Board of Deacons, Circle One Committee and enjoyed working with the church community making all the tasty foods for church suppers and the Flea market.

 Shirley loved being on her boat “The Shirley J” with her family.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.

She is survived by her beloved children, Donna Werkhoven and her husband Carl of South Windsor, Colleen Bombria and her husband James of Bolton, and Scott Bates of Willington; six grandchildren, Lindsay Patrick and her husband John, Jessica and Hunter Werkhoven, Chelsea Leon and her husband Frank, Zachary Bombria, and Kelly Bates; three great grandchildren, August Patrick and Bryce and Sophia Leon; a sister, Muriel Kreuscher and her husband Richard of Willington, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Lincoln, and her sister, Audrey Jean Lincoln.  

Her family will receive friends for calling hours on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor.  Funeral services will be held at the Federated Church of Willington, 236 Tolland Turnpike (corner of Routes 320 & 74), Willington on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 11 a.m.  Burial will be held at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Federated Church of Willington, 132 River Road, Willington, CT  06279 or to the Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd, Southington, CT  06489-1058.  

For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.