GUILFORD – Betty Drake Bates, 97, died April 30, 2010, at Hibbard’s Nursing Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Betty Mae Drake was born July 25, 1912, in Parkman, a daughter of Martin and Mae (McKusick) Drake. She was raised in Parkman and Guilford, and was home-schooled until she entered the third grade in Guilford. She was an exceptional student, but her main interest was sports. She was an outstanding tennis and basketball player. After graduating from Guilford High School in 1929 she went to Castine Normal School, where she was also very active in sports, adding field hockey to her list of activities. She graduated in 1931 and did substitute teaching in Guilford. On May 23, 1936, Betty married William L. Bates. They resided in Guilford where they raised three children. In her younger years, she enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing and card playing. After retirement she and Bill added trailering and square dancing to their activities. They were always welcoming and generous, opening their home to a variety of activities from neighborhood croquet games on the front lawn to Piscataquis Community High School Jazz Band practice in their living room. She was a Cub Scout den leader, and a member of Piscataquis Community High School Band Boosters and Guilford Methodist Church. In later years, on those rare occasions when Betty sat still, she could be found doing crossword puzzles, knitting or reading. Her favorite things have always been her family and the Red Sox. Betty was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, William, in 2002; and a son, John, in 1990. She is survived by a daughter, Judith Haynes and her husband, Peter, of Yarmouth; a son, Jerry Bates and his wife, Hope, of Blanchard; five grandsons, Jeffrey, Timothy and Christopher Haynes, Jonathan and William Bates; and 11 great-grandchildren, Andrew, Kathryn, Megan, Samuel, Corinne, Miya and Lily Haynes, Alaina, Elizabeth, Nikolas and Isabella Bates. All are invited to attend a memorial service in Betty’s honor 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at United Methodist Church, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pine Tree Hospice, 895 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Guilford. Those who wish may leave written tributes at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
BETTY D. BATES
