Ava Mae Bates, 97, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
She was born February 9, 1924, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Bradford and Minnie (McGill) Whitmore. She attended Randolph and Boswell elementary schools, and graduated from Topeka High School in 1942.
On December 26, 1943, she married Harry L. Bates in Topeka, Kansas. They were later divorced.
Ava was employed at the Santa Fe Railroad, Martin Tractor Company, and Washburn University.
She was a 50 year member of the Eastern Star and a 50 year member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary.
Survivors include her companion Bob Day; three nephews, Marvin Whitmore, Tim Whitmore, and David Whitmore; one niece, Darlene Shaw; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by parents, brothers, Dale and Karl Whitmore, and sister, Bessie (Whitmore) Poe.
Visitation will begin at 1:30pm Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Mount Hope Cemetery with graveside services to follow at 2:30pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
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