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Donna Jean Bates

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University of Kansas

Donna Bates Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 18, 2024.

Donna Jean Bates, age 100, of Leawood, KS, passed away on January 8, 2024. Donna, also known as DJ, had many loves, but first and foremost was her family. She enjoyed music and was a piano teacher for many years, bringing the joy of music into many lives. Donna was an avid bridge player until her eyesight prevented her from playing. She also had a deep love for all things KU and enjoyed traveling with the Flying Jayhawks.

Donna is survived by her son, Michael Bates MD., her daughters-in-law Janet Bates and Francine Bates, her grandson Sean Bates ESQ., her granddaughter Colleen Foxworthy MSPT., her grandson Brett Bates MBA., her great-granddaughter Taylor Foxworthy, her great-grandson Connor Foxworthy, and her great-grandsons Beckham Bates and Brody Bates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ila Nichols, her brother Michael Nichols, her husband Clifford Bates, and her son Patrick Bates.

Donna graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1945.

Grave site services for family only will be held on April 20th in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the University of Kansas Alumni Association at 1266 Oread Ave, Lawrence Kansas 66045: https://kualumni.org/give/

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Lesa Joiner

January 23, 2024

I had the great privilege of being a care provider for DJ this last Fall. I looked forward to seeing her every time. She shared with me about so many of her life experiences and I saw that she truly had a full and happy life! How fun for her that she got to live in several foreign countries! I saw that she was very determined to reach her goals. One was to be physically stronger. I led her in general chair exercises most times I was with her and she did them quite well. Another was to keep as independent as possible. She unfortunately lived with several handicaps, but she didn't let them get her down. She just kept trying and kept going the best she could. I learned how to make popcorn balls with DJ. She taught me how to identify when the syrup was ready for the right stage. But, she shared with me how much she enjoyed making popcorn balls with her sons in the past. She truly loved her family! I want to express my condolences and sympathies to her son, Michael, as well as all of her family. I pray that your memories of her and all the things she taught you will be treasured and bring you happiness and contentment. Thank you for letting me get to know this wonderful lady!!
Lesa Joiner