Obituary published on Legacy.com by Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte on Sep. 10, 2025.
Jeanette Ann Bates, a precious and Godly woman who loved the Lord and her family deeply, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 5, 2025, at the age of 85.
Jeanette was born on August 30, 1940, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Samuel and Lydia Bruder. She fondly remembered her childhood days, especially picking berries on her grandfather's farm. At the age of 12, her family moved to Glendora, California, where she attended Citrus Union High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. That same year, she married Robert Brandt, and together they raised three children: Laura, Robert Jr., and Kevin.
Jeanette worked for many years as a manager at Pacific Installers before finding her calling in real estate, eventually finishing her career as a Mortgage Loan Officer. In 1994, she married Lee Bates, and they shared 19 wonderful years together until his passing in 2013.
Before moving to Missouri, Jeanette lived in Canton, Ohio, where she was a devoted member of Martindale Christian Fellowship Church. She was very active in the church and was sincerely loved by her church family. The bonds she formed there were so meaningful that friends continued to send her Christmas cards each year, a testament to the lasting impact she made in their lives. It was also at this church that Lee gave his life to Christ, a milestone that brought them both great joy and shaped the rest of their walk together.
After Lee's death, Jeanette moved to Ozark, Missouri, to be closer to her children. There, she became an active member of Hopedale Baptist Church, where she dearly loved singing in the choir, worshipping, and sharing fellowship.
She was known for her warm spirit, love for the Lord, her love of puzzles, and her Friday game days with friends. Above all, she was a prayer warrior for her family, faithfully lifting up her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren each morning.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 19 years, Lee Bates; her parents, Samuel and Lydia Bruder; and her brothers, Ronald and Robert Bruder.
She is survived by her children Laura (Bryan) King, Robert (Dana) Brandt, and Kevin Brandt; her stepchildren Tammy (John) Tabita and Lee (Aide) Bates; her grandchildren Cherie (Joseph) Mahadevan, Samuel (Laura) King, Bryan (Tracy) King, Bracey (Cory) Barker, Bobby Brandt, Brady Brandt, Sara Brandt, Brittney Brandt, Bradley Brandt, Michael Tabita, Joshua Tabita, Shaun Godenez, Candice Bates, and Corrina Bates; as well as eight great-grandchildren.
Jeanette's life was a testament to her faith, her kindness, and her love for others. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love and prayer will continue through her family and friends.
The visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 9:00am, following the funeral at 10:00am at Hopedale Baptist Church – 5370 State Hwy NN, Ozark, MO 65721.
Flowers or arrangements can be sent to Rivermonte Memorial Gardens – 4500 S Lone Pine Ave.,
Springfield, MO 65804
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