Luretta Mae (Johnson) Bates

     Luretta Mae Johnson Bates, 80, a lifelong resident of Whitsett, Pa., passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.

     She was born September 22, 1935, in Brownsville, Pa., the daughter of the late Clarence and Viola Renfro Johnson.

     Mrs. Bates was employed by the Frazier School District for over 25 years where she touched many hearts made several lifelong friends.  Luretta was a wise, patient and classy woman who took great pleasure in spending time with her family and caring for others.

Luretta was an avid reader who was eager to give recommendations to those who shared her love of books and intellect. Her culinary skills were well known by those close to her, especially Aunt Luretta’s “famous” potato salad!  She loved to travel, and was very proud that she had visited all 50 states, 4 continents and had been recognized for her perfect attendance at all 46 Johnson Family Reunions. Most recently, Luretta had spent this past Christmas on a cruise ship navigating the Panama Canal and enjoyed spending time at her daughter Stevi’s home in New York.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Reginald C. Bates, siblings Cleora Lindsey, Raymond Harris, Alberta Burke, Roberta Holbrook, Mary Singleton, Thomas “Bebe” Johnson, David Johnson, Viola Johnson, and Jody Johnson.

     She is survived by three daughters: Stephanie “Stevi” Roby and husband Donald of Elmira Heights, N.Y., Kim Bates-Walters of Whitsett, and Karen Bates and fiancée Sidney Gauden; three grandchildren, Kia Veselsky and fiancée Sean Bienert of N.C., Kory Olesky and husband Ian of Brownsville, and Ryan Walters of Whitsett; siblings: Doris Jean Smith of Chicago, Dewayne (Avis) Johnson, Clarence (Linda) Johnson,  Andy Johnson, Ernie Johnson, and James (Marlene) Johnson, all of Whitsett.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Special thanks to  nieces Jessye Ruth Dent and Debbie Singleton, and caregivers Tiffany, Dana and Sherrie for their time and kindness.

Luretta’s family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016 and on Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM the hour of service at the Blair-Lowther Funeral Home, 305 Rear Independence Street, Perryopolis, PA.  Interment will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery, Smithton, PA. 

 Service Information