Rubye (Holly) Powell Bates

Rubye (Holly) Powell Bates, of Brentwood, Tenn. passed away at her home on April 11, 2014 at the age of 93. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert David and Mary Trannie Powell; sister, Cleo Moran and son, James Powell Bates. Holly is survived by her husband of 71 years, Col. James Bates; son, Michael (Martha) Bates; daughter, Terry (Steve) Butler; grandchildren, James (Jenna) Bates; Jenni Bates; Channing Powell and Beau Powell; and great-grandchildren, Jolie and Jayden. She was born in Plainview, Arkansas. Holly and Jim were married in 1943. While Jim was in the military, Holly and Jim lived throughout the world and made many lifelong friends. They moved in 1970 to Nashville, where Holly worked with her dear friend, Nancy Beardsworth at Virginia Heritage in Franklin. Holly loved to garden and decorate homes, but the most important thing to her was spending time with her beloved family. She continued to travel especially to her favorite mountain retreat in Western North Carolina, up until her illness would not allow travel. The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Johnson and Dana Sherrard for their spiritual support during Holly's last days. They also wish to thank Carole Parmer of Guardian Hospice and Holly's wonderful caregivers, Annie Jordan and Deborah Robinson for their loving care. A memorial service was held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville on April 14, 2014. Private graveside services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family requests that donations be made to the Nashville Rescue Mission, Salvation Army or Covenant Presbyterian Church. Sign online guestbook at AustinFuneralService.com.