Denise Bates

Denise Bates
Denise Bates, a beautiful wife, mother, and friend, 52, of Rutland, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday at her home after a long illness. Denise was born in Germantown, New York, and graduated from Green Mountain High School. She later graduated from the New England School of Cosmetology. Denise married the love of her life, James Bates, on July 14, 2002, and together they made their home in Rutland for many years.
Denise was truly one of a kind. She was incredibly funny, fast thinking and had perfectly timed humor that could lighten any room. She had the mind of an engineer and an unmatched ability to figure out how things worked. Denise also happened to be the best cleaner on the planet. Her attention to detail was legendary, and everything she touched somehow became spotless.
Although Denise claimed she did not like animals, anyone who knew her knew this was not entirely true. She was a total softie for a furry face and adored her four legged son, Wrex, more than she would ever admit. Denise was fiercely loyal to her friends and family and stood by the people she loved without hesitation. She never truly realized just how deeply she was loved in return, but her impact on others was profound and lasting.
Denise is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Bates; her daughter, who was her whole world, Cortney Hodgdon, and Cortney's partner, Austin Rebetz; her beloved dog, Wrex; her brother, William Johnson; her sisters, Rosemarie Evans, AJ Keogh and her husband, Peter, Anne Collins, June Mylott, and Kendra Johnson; her sister in law, Monica Valente; her brother in law, Chris Valente and his wife, Christa; and several cherished nieces and nephews, all of whom were blessed by her love and will miss her more than words can say.
She was predeceased by her twin brother, Dennis Johnson, in 2020, and her mother, Marie Johnson, in 2022, whom she deeply loved and missed dearly.
A Service and Celebration of Life will be held on December 27 at 1:00 pm at the Elks Lodge at 44 Pleasant Street Rutland, Vermont.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites guests to bring a dessert to share, because Denise firmly believed in having dessert first. Please no tree nuts or chocolate, as those were two things our girl never cared for. In honor of Denise and her vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear color to the service, as she was truly the brightest person in the room.