Muriel E. Bates

Muriel E. Bates, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. died August 2, 2015 at her residence. She was born Jan. 16, 1927 in Shirley, Ark. to the late James Arlie Rollins and Ollie Viola Anderson Rollins. She was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff. She attended Church of Christ Church. She married William Davis Bates December 20, 1943 in Higden, Ar. He preceded her in death. Muriel was a homemaker who enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and word search. She enjoyed watching and visiting with her grandchildren and sisters and brothers. She is survived by one daughter, Ruthie Withrow; one son, Earnest Bates both of Poplar Bluff; three sisters, Janice, Shirley, and Maudie all of Arkansas; three brothers, Lee of Ark., Leon and J.A. both of Ind.; 12 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 39 great-great grandchildren; and was granny to many more. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Jimmy R.Bates, two daughters Reba Prevatt, Carolyn Sexton, and one sister, Flora and five brothers, Major, Hoover, Paul, Harvey and Troy; one grandchild and 1 great-grandchild. Visitation will be Thursday August 6, 2015 at 2:30 to 3:30 PM at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home Chapel, followed by the funeral at 3;30 PM in the Chapel. The Rev. Billy Orr will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.