Jean Ford Bates

Jean Ford Bates, 85, of Midlothian, Va., died on Thursday, January 14, 2010, after a brief illness. She was born Mary Jean Ford on March 7, 1924, to Clara Mae Thompson Ford and Charles William Ford in Richmond, Va. She was raised in Buchanan, Va. She graduated in the class of 1944 from Mary Washington College and married Paul Bassett Bates in 1946. Her professional career included legal secretary for Hunton & Williams law firm in Richmond, administrative assistant to the head of the Civil Engineering department at Virginia Tech and a 15-year career with DuPont/Spruance including roles as research librarian, executive assistant to the plant manager and personnel supervisor. Most of all, Jean loved life, her family, friends and caring for her home. In addition to her sweetheart husband, she is survived by daughters, Marilyn B. Headley (Dennis), of Midlothian, Va., Nancy B. Allen (Barry), of Rougemont, N.C., and Peggy B. Kunnen (Jim), of Richmond, Va.; six grandchildren, Neil Scott Headley, Catherine Jean VanDyke (Peter), David Ryan Kunnen (Renee), Lisa Ann Kunnen, Dorothy Jean Allen and Peter Woodward Allen; and two great-grandchildren, Carter Paul VanDyke and Alyssa Jean VanDyke. A memorial service will be held on 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2010, at Salisbury Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Buchanan, Va. For their exceptional care, the family wishes to thank the staff of Chippenham Hospital, Hospice of Virginia, Dr. W. Philip Morrissette III and his nurse, Kim. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Jean's name to Salisbury Presbyterian Church, 13621 West Salisbury Road, Midlothian, Va. 23113 or to a charity of your choice. Bliley's-Chippenham is handling arrangements for the family.