Lois Kathryn Bates, 88, of Fowler, passed away peacefully April 7, 2025, at the Fowler Health Care Center. She was born on May 5, 1936 in Norborne, Missouri to Alfred and Ella Brock. Lois is survived by husband of 67 years, Bill Bates; children Kathy (Steve) Bauserman, Beth (Tom) Hartless, Susie Bates, and Russell (Shaleen) Bates; grandchildren, Jill Bauserman, Kyle Bauserman, Abbey Hartless, Shelby (Brett) Rusler, Brennan Bates, and Braxton Bates; and two great grandchildren, Hayes and Hudson (Rusler).

After high school graduation in 1954, Lois attended St. John's College in Winfield, Kansas, graduating in May, 1956, with an A.A. in elementary education. In August of that year, Lois moved to Pueblo, to begin a career in education at Trinity Lutheran School. In August of 1957, she met the love of her life, Bill Bates, who stole her heart away. Bill and Lois were married that December at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, Kansas. They began their life together living in Pueblo where they stayed until the fall of 1972 when they moved to Fowler. There they raised their four children. Initially, Lois was a homemaker but eventually she returned to education and worked at the Fowler School District in various educational roles. Lois worked on and off with Fowler Schools throughout the years finally retiring for good in 2007. Working with kids was one of her greatest joys.

After retirement, Lois and Bill devoted their time to family and cheering on their grandkids' in all of their activities. Lois always had a special place in her heart for kids which carried over into her dedication to various charities including Operation Christmas Child, St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Love a Child.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Lois to the Solid Rock Baptist Church, 705 W. Pitkin Ave., Fowler, CO 81039