Florence Josephine Riley-Bates

RILEY-BATES
Florence Josephine (Azbart)
Florence Josephine Riley-Bates (Azbart) passed away peacefully December 16, 2016 at the home of her son Robert. She was born in Toledo, Ohio on October 11, 1925 to Mary and George Azbart.
Florence will be remembered for her selfless dedication to others, her love of life, and for her grace and beauty. Growing up she was known for her wonderful singing voice, often performing solos with the choir. She was a natural and devoted caregiver; as a big sister, as a young woman taking care of her parents in later years, and as a wife, mother and grandmother. She was there with a comforting and compassionate ear and a nurse's touch. Florence was an exceptional cook and enjoyed providing great meals to all her family and friends.
She married Gerald Riley in 1947 and together they raised two sons, Ronald and Robert. Because of Gerald's poor health, Florence cared for him around the clock for many years until his death in 1980. In 1982 she married Dr. George Bates and the two families grew together around her loving spirit. When George's health declined she again became a devoted caregiver until his passing in 2010.
She is survived by her sister, Bernie; sons, Ronald (Celeste) and Robert (Deborah); stepsons, Christopher (Karen) Bates and Brian (Sherry) Bates; stepdaughter, Andrea Bates; stepdaughters-in-law, Anne Bates Smith and Melanie Bates; grandchildren, Kate (Paul) Zelensky, James Riley, David Riley, John Riley, Justin Riley, Connor Riley; step-grandchildren, Judd Bates, Lisa (Kiernan) Mattson, Stephen (Jackie) Bates, Emma (Paul) Kitzmiller, Sarah (Dan) Grey, Jonathan Bates, Marie (DJ) Deleo, Griffin Bates, Erin Bates, Nora Bates, and Mary Bates; nine great-grandchildren; and by many great nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by parents, George and Mary Azbart; brother, David; sisters, Mary Ann and Loretta; husbands, Gerald Riley and Dr. George Bates; stepsons, George Bates Jr., Philip Bates; stepdaughter, Seana Bates, and grandson, Daniel Riley.
Florence will be deeply missed by all her friends and family. Florence would want any memorial to her to be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ to honor the memory of her brother, David, and grandson, Daniel.
Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Tuesday, December 27 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral ceremony will begin at Coyle on Wednesday, December 28 at 10:30, followed by mass at the Historic Church of St. Patricks at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
Please leave a condolence message for the family at
CoyleFuneralHome.com
As published in The Blade