Mardelle Anna Bates

Mardelle Anna Bates, age 88, of Marshall, formerly of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2017 in Marshall. She was born July 2, 1929 in Grand Ledge the daughter of Charles B. and Anna L. (Harmon) Harms. She attended grade school in rural Sunfield at the Mayden Country School. She later went on to graduate from Sunfield High School and then attended college at North Central College in Naperville, IL. On August 12, 1947 she married the love of her life Gerald Ray Bates. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was a faithful partner and laborer with her husband Gerald as he served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Mardelle loved singing and playing the piano. She began taking piano lessons at age 5 and quickly excelled. She enjoyed playing both at church and for others at many local nursing homes. Mardelle is survived by her children: Sandra A. Purcell of Marshall, Adrene (Richard) Wilford of Buckeye, AZ, Kevin (Debbie) Bates of Rochester, MI; grandchildren: Tonya (Ross) Jones, Trish (Adam) Albrecht; great grandchildren: Peighton Albrecht, Taylor Albrecht, and MaKenzie Bonnell. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Ray; son-in-law, Richard Purcell; and brother, Evertt (Lavaughn) Harms. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 27, 2018, at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church, Charlotte. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Those desiring may make contributions in Mardelles honor to the First Baptist Church 1110 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.