Patricia Lee Bates

Patricia Lee Bates, 72, of Cedarville, went to be with the Lord, on Saturday, June 17, 2017, in her home. She was born on Nov. 5, 1944, in Little Rock, Ark., the daughter of the late Leland T. Jr. and Mildred O. (Hancock) Bates. Pat graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and received a Master of Science in Corrections from Xavier University. She began her career in 1974 at Cedarville University and later retired as Associate Dean of Students in 2010. Pat had a passion for students and loved building into their lives. She is survived by her siblings: John Richard (Stephanie) Bates of Hawaii, Carolyn Jane (Michael) Short of Tennessee, and Rebekah Ann Crego of Tennessee; nephews: Ryan Ayres, Andy (Ruth) Ayres; Josh (Hyelee) Bates, J.R. (D.J.) Crego, David Crego; Marcy and Scott Van Meter, whom Pat has always considered as her children; and Justin, Hilary (Joey) and Austin (Amanda), whom Pat loved as her grandchildren, and her faithful black lab, "Fezz." A celebration of her life and ministry will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the Grace Baptist Church, 109 N. Main St., Cedarville. Burial will follow in the Cedarville North Cemetery. The family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers of Hospice of the Miami Valley. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Cedarville University Scholarship Fund in her memory. For online tributes visit www.littletonandrue.com.