Doris M. Bates

Doris M. Bates, 95, of Oskaloosa, formerly of Newton, died Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living and Memory Care in Oskaloosa.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton, followed by burial at Highland Cemetery in Mystic at 2:30 p.m. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorials to the Newton American Legion Post 111 Auxiliary can be left at the funeral home.

   Doris, the daughter of John and Mary (Babbitt) Porter, was born April 25, 1931, in Centerville. She grew up in Mystic and graduated from Mystic High School in the Class of 1948.  She then did her nurse’s training at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ottumwa.  Doris was united in marriage with William J. Bates on November 25, 1950.  The couple lived in Ottumwa and Centerville for the first part of their marriage. Doris worked at the Centerville Hospital, where she worked in the burn and surgical units. In 1955, Bill and Doris moved to Newton, where they raised their family. Doris was a stay-at-home mother, kept busy by raising 5 children, while also doing seasonal tax work.  Doris volunteered in many capacities; she was an election volunteer with the Board of Elections for several years and helped with her children’s Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls clubs, and Vacation Bible School.  She was a member of the PTA and a current member of the American Legion Post 111 Auxiliary. Doris moved to Homestead in Oskaloosa in December of 2009, where she made many friends.  Doris enjoyed reading, crosswords, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, and taking care of her family. She liked camping and being outdoors.  She and Bill spent many hours fishing together, which she eventually grew to love. Doris took great pride in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, making several trips near and far to attend their events.

   Doris is survived by her children: William R. (Lori) Bates of Des Moines, John Michael (Rose Frances) Bates of Washington, MI, Mary Elizabeth Anne Hawkins of Newton, L. Susan (Kurt) Kollasch of Oskaloosa, and Richard (Carla) Bates of Newton;  her grandchildren: Jake (Jennifer) Bates, Matthew (Candace) Bates, Kyrna (Tom) Erdman, John Michael (Mindy) Bates, Jr., Erik (Talia) Adams, Monica Adams, Christopher (Gretchen) Kollasch, Kesley Kollasch, Josh (Mackenzie) Bates, and Jesse (Anna) Bates; 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; son-in-law, Bob Hawkins; granddaughter, Amy Autumn Bates; and her half-brother, John Porter.

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