Helen Bates, 98

Helen Bates, 98, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018, in Lakeside with her family by her side.

Helen was born in her parents’ farmhouse in McCone County, 10 miles south of Wolf Point, on Aug. 3, 1919, to Marcus and Borghild (Oamodt) Braaten. Helen attended school in Wolf Point and graduated from Wolf Point High School.

On Oct. 1, 1939, Helen married Earl Bates. They were married 60 years. Earl passed away on March 23, 1999.

Helen was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. She loved spending time with family at the hunting cabin, playing cards with family and friends, square dancing, knitting, reading and traveling with Earl.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, and her siblings Solveg “Sylvia” Bauer, Olga Rhodes, Henry Braaten, Gladys Baker, Howard Braaten, Alice Christiansen, Merrel “Bud” Braaten and Arnold Braaten.

Helen is survived by her children, Thomas (Jane) of Silver City, New Mexico; Rodney (Michael) of Dayton, Montana; Barbara (Reggie) of Lakeside; by her sister, Mary Schrock, of Seattle; grandchildren, Madeline Chalenor, Robin Bates, Sonya Greef and David Greef; great-grandchildren, Amber Bates, Nathan Dunnihoo, Michael Dunnihoo, Leah Arington, Samuel Arington, Elizabeth “Libby” Lichte, Andrew Lichte and Madeline Lichte; and 29 nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and -nephews.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at Eidisvolds Lutheran Church.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Eidsvold Lutheran Church or to the Lakeside QRU.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.