Lela Frances (Carman) Bates, age 76, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, November 5th, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia, Iowa. She was born on August 7, 1947, the daughter of John and Mabel (Hopkins) Carman in Hartford, Missouri.
Lela attended school in Putnam County where she graduated from, and then later attended the Iowa School of Beauty and worked as a cosmetologist for many years. Later in life she worked at several factories, before finding a long-term career at Monroe County Professional Management, where she cared for disabled individuals.
She was born a natural caregiver, from helping with the younger kids at home growing up, to raising her own family, as well as volunteering at the local nursing homes. If you were ever in need, she was always the first one to help. In Lela’s spare time, she enjoyed cooking, she could whip up any meal, at any given time. She also enjoyed going to the casinos, but above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, with her grandkids being the biggest joy in her life.
Lela is survived by her three children, Keith (Angela) Thompson of Hamilton, Iowa, Darwin (Michelle) Thompson, of Albia, Iowa, and Jennifer (Tracy) Warren of Melrose, Iowa. Grandchildren, Trevor Thompson, Shelby Warren, Bode Thompson, Cassidy Thompson, and Ryder Thompson. Sisters Kathy (Darrell) Thompson and Ann (Keith) Shore. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, along with ten brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services were held on November 10, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Hartford Baptist Church, in Hartford Missouri. A visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral. Burial followed at the Hartford Cemetery, directly following the service. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be given to the Hartford Cemetery.
Casady-Luscan Funeral Solutions of Green Castle, Missouri, is honored to care for and minister to the (Carman) Bates family at this time.
