Bessie Elizzabeth Bates

Bessie Elizzabeth Bates, 82, of Chouteau, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Pryor, Oklahoma. Born on June 7, 1940, in Peggs, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of James Stipes and Lizzie Lee (DeMoss) Vaughn. Bessie spent her life as a homemaker who dedicated her time tending to her home and taking care of her family. She had a special interest in sewing and quilting, as well as woodworking, especially when it came to making shelves and cabinets. Her love for nature was evident as she spent any opportunity outdoors gardening. She could often be found going fishing and deer hunting. She was extremely proud of the 10-point buck she killed. She leaves behind many memories for her family to cherish and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Chouteau North Cemetery in Chouteau with Reverend Lorne Beck officiating. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Shipman’s Funeral Home. To leave her family a message, please visit her Guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.

She is survived by her son, Roy Bates, Jr. and wife Wanema of Chouteau, OK; brothers, Cecil Vaughn of Chouteau, OK, and Bill Stipes; sisters, Wanita Wilson and husband Bob of Virginia and Emma of Illinois; grandchildren, Johnathan Risley, Jacquelynn, Celeste, and Christopher; and great-grandchildren, Corri, Beautiful, Matilda, Emzy, Earl, and Everett Jr. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy Bates, Sr.; and brother, James Vaughn.