Betty Stone Bates, age 88, of Henderson, KY, passed away on September 9, 2024, at St. Anthony's Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson.  She was born to the late Lee Roy and Nettie Lucille Stone in Hebbardsville, KY, on February 26, 1936.

Betty's passions were her family and home.  She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  A graduate of Hebbardsville High School, she was active in The Presbyterian Church of Henderson and enjoyed expressing her creativity through home projects, decorating, and gardening.  She loved books and reading.  Betty enjoyed accompanying her husband, Jim, to games to cheer on the Henderson County Colonels.  She also enjoyed traveling when she could talk Jim into a trip.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters Sandra Stone, Thelma Clark, and Frances Stone-Hobson.

Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, James J. Bates, Jr; her daughter, Merritt Bates-Thomas of Owensboro, KY; her son, James J. Bates, III (Regina) of Crestwood, KY; five grandchildren, Lauren Thomas of Louisville, KY, Jillian Gainous (Jared) of Russellville, KY, Reid Thomas (Sarah) of Henderson, KY, Jordan Bates of LaGrange, KY, and Madison Bates of Crestwood, KY; and 4 great grandchildren, Lilah Jo and Palmer Gainous, and Max and Margot Thomas; and her sister, Rena "Renie" Whipple.

A celebration of life service for Betty Bates will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to The Presbyterian Church of Henderson, 100 South Main Street, Henderson, KY 42420;  St Anthony's Hospice, 2410 South Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420;  Henderson County Public Library, 101 South Main Street, Henderson, KY 42420;  Henderson Area Arts Alliance, PO Box 234, Henderson, KY 42419; or Friends of Audubon, PO Box 576, Henderson, KY 42419.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.