Kathleen (Kathy) Bates, 67, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on December 12, 2014. Kathy was born to Donald and Cornelia (Vleeshouwers) Barnes on July 27, 1947 in Wis. Rapids. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965. She married Gordon Bates in 1967 but later divorced. She worked at the Aquarium pet store for many years before leaving to work for Consolidated Papers (Paperboard Division) for 20 years before retiring. She will be remembered for the great love she had for her pets and finding one of a kind treasure to decorate her home. She is survived by longtime companion LeRoy Check of Plover, one son Jeffrey (Jenny) Bates, Wis. Rapids; three daughters; Jodi (Gary) Alft, Wis. Rapids, Kristine (Rick) Olson, Nekoosa, Melissa (Jon) Heili, Rudolph. Five grandchildren; Tyler, Amber, Taylor, Katelynn and Colin; one great granddaughter; Maci. Two sisters; Susan (Scott) McAuley and Elizabeth (Tim) Savage. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Terry. A private service was held at Forest Hill Mausoleum. The family would like to thank Ministry Medical Hospice, Wis. Rapids Fire Dept. and Riverview Hospital for their kind support they gave mom. Online condolences can be made at www.honorone.com Higgins Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.