Willodean Bates

Willodean Bates, 90, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital. She was a native of Centerville, AL, born January 30, 1935 to the late William T. and Livonia Heard. She came to Fort Wayne in 1949. She retired from General Electric in 2005 after 39 years of service. She was a member of the GE Elex Club, Elks Lodge and Zion Lutheran Church where she served on the Altar Guild. She was also a cosmetologist for many years and enjoyed delivering flowers to those in the nursing home. Surviving are her children, Tommy (Ella), Brenda, Cynthia, Kenneth, Hogan, Marissia L. (Donald) White, Suzette Rogan, Anthony, Gary and Christopher Bates. Willodean was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Rogan, daughter, Belinda Hogan; and brother, William O. Heard. A funeral commemorating her life will be 11:00 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church 2313 S. Hanna St. (46803) with visitation one hour prior. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Fond memories of may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.