Funeral service for Geneva Warren Bates, 76, of Lake Charles, La., will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at 2 p.m. in Rockett Funeral Home Chapel, Ringgold, La. Officiating will be Keith West. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery, Castor, La. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, at Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold, La., from 5 – 8 p.m.
Geneva was born Easter Sunday, April 25, 1943, to Foster and Grace Warren of Castor, La. She died peacefully at home in Lake Charles, La., on Dec. 11, 2019, after a lengthy illness with her family at her side. Geneva was a 1961 graduate of Castor High School, where she played basketball and was selected as one of the "Beauties" her senior year. Geneva received a degree from Norton School of Business in Shreveport, La. Geneva married William Bates on Dec. 22, 1961, sharing 58 years together. After moving to Lake Charles in 1962, they were blessed with four daughters, nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She worked to make ends meet for Bell South, Mullers Department Store and the Calcasieu Parish Library in Lake Charles. She enjoyed spending time with her family, flower gardening with her granddaughter Katey, and shopping for her kids, grandkids and great granddaughter. Geneva loved the Christmas season, and enjoyed baking all sorts of goodies and decorating for the holidays.
Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, Foster and Grace Warren; and brothers, Donnie Warren and Jerry Warren, all of Castor.
Geneva is survived by her loving husband, William Bates of Lake Charles; brothers, Billy Warren (Carolyn) of Coushatta, La., and Larry Warren (Debbie) of Castor; daughters, Andrea West (Keith) of Lake Charles, Christy Gaspard (Ragan) of Lake Charles, Jill Liptak of Lake Charles, and Wendy Farmer (Buck) of Lake Charles; nine grandchildren, Kaci West Lindsay (Nick) of Tyler, Texas, Kileigh West Ryan (Jordon) of Beaumont, Texas, Korinne "Kori" West of Denton, Texas, Katelyn "Katey" Driskill of Lake Charles, Michael Driskill of Lake Charles, Justin Liptak of Lake Charles, Dylan Cody Liptak of Lake Charles, Eric Farmer of Lake Charles, and Jessica Leccese of Houma, La.; and one great-granddaughter, Evelyn "Evie" Lindsay of Tyler, Texas; sisters-in-law, Betty and Barbara Warren of Castor, La.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in her name to Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana, 3006 Common St., Lake Charles, LA 70601, phone (337) 436-5001, website autismservicesswla.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Rockett Funeral Home - Ringgold.
Prayers for the family. Mom and I will miss your sweet smile dear cousin. We know we will see you again in Heaven.
Cindy and Linda (Daniel) Larey
December 15, 2019
Martha Clements
Friend
December 13, 2019
GENEVA, WAS A WARM AND LOVING PERSON.
SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. R.I.P. MY FRIEND.
CAROLYN DUHON
Friend
December 13, 2019
Mrs. Geneva was always so sweet to the neighborhood kids. May her soul Rest In Peace. My prayers are with her family. ☮❤
Kelli Smith Jackson
Friend
December 13, 2019
My heart goes out to William, Andrea, Christy, Jill, Wendy and all your families. I was so saddened to hear of your heartbreaking loss. Geneva loved William and each of her girls and their families. She was my sister-in-law for a long time and I always counted her as my friend. I know there was always a special place in her heart for Katie. I always envied her green thumb. Her flowers were always SO beautiful! Please know that you are all in my prayers.
Love You All,
Suzanne Honeycutt
Suzanne Honeycutt
Family
December 13, 2019
I love you so Momma. You will be missed every day until we meet again. Soar high. Love always
Wendy Farmer
Daughter
December 13, 2019
Mrs. Bates was a very nice lady. Her daughter Andrea and I have been friends since elementary school. Ill be praying for her family.
Karen Henry-Veillon
Friend
December 13, 2019
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