Helen Bates

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

Helen was born in her parents' farm house in McCone County, 10 miles south of Wolf Point, Montana on August 3, 1919 to Marcus and Borghild (Oamodt) Braaten.  Helen attended School in Wolf Point and Graduated from Wolf Point High School.

On October 1, 1939 Helen married Earl Bates they were married 60 years.  Earl passed away 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, 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, MT. Barbara (Reggie) of Lakeside, MT. sister Mary Schrock  of Seattle, WA. 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, 29 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday April 7, 2018 at Eidisvolds Lutheran Church .

The family suggest In lieu of flowers, memorial be made to Eidsvold Lutheran Church or to the Lakeside QRU.

Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.