NANCY ELLEN BATES

March 19, 1938 - May 25, 2016

Nancy Bates, 78 years old, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2016 surrounded by family and friends at her home in Oro Valley, Arizona. Nancy endured a 16 year battle with cancer.

She was born on March 19, 1938 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

A graduate of Sedro-Woolley High School in 1956 as well as Western Washington University in 1970 and 1974 with an undergraduate and a masters degree respectively, Nancy lived in Washington State most of her life. She moved to Arizona in 1995 and shortly thereafter retired from a dedicated 27-year career in education. Many of her former students have expressed a deep appreciation for her. With her, patience always played a role in her duties. She never gave up on helping her students be the best they could be.

Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, Nancy maintained a strong faith in Jesus Christ as a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church. She held positions in the church from Deacon to Stephen Minister. Nancy was an avid golfer and a member of various community organizations including PEO.

She was welcomed most generously by Lou Ann Lemley/Davis and the entire Lemley family early in her childhood. The Lemley's made Nancy one of their own and gave her as much love as any member of the family. She was always thankful in recognizing the lifelong bond of her dear friend Lou Ann.

With three boys in tow, Nancy married Harold "Bud" Bates on August 6, 1970. They were together throughout the remainder of her life. They traveled often which included a one year stay in Australia under a teacher exchange program in 1986. Bud and Nancy were a staple couple in their communities, which included Sedro-Woolley, Oro Valley, and Lake Chelan, doing volunteer work. They always cared as much about others as they did their own. Often times encouraging and assisting others outside of their family to succeed.

Nancy is survived by her husband Bud, her son Bryan Nims and wife Danelle of Forney, TX, son Todd Nims of Avondale, AZ, daughter-in-law Connie Nims of Sedro-Woolley and grandchildren Leslie Nims, Carmen Nims, John Nims, and Melissa Nims.

She was preceded in death by her oldest son Robert "Jeff" Nims, father Arthur "Tuffy" Pearson, mother Leona Mills, grandparents Charles and Ella Neff and Augustus and Elin Pearson.

A celebration of life will be held at Inspire Church in Sedro-Woolley, WA on July 29, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Sedro-Woolley High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 509, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.