Joellene Bates, 78

Joellene Ann Bates, age 78, of White Pigeon, passed into the final season of her life on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.
She experienced the true love of life and a natural final journey while God called her home.
Joellene was born Feb. 23, 1940, to Lawrence and Helen (Armstrong) Pettit in Elkhart. She was preceeded in death by a daughter, Marsha; a brother, Larry Pettit; her parents; an uncle, Bob Armstrong; and especially her beloved grandparents, Harold and Muzetta Armstrong; as well as several very close friends.
Joellene was a joy to be around and always had a story, joke or a good laugh to share. Many memories have been made while she enjoyed life during morning coffee time with friends and family, camping, snowmobiling, fishing, bowling, quilting, ceramics, wallpapering or just helping out a person in need. Joe was very proud of her membership to the National Bowling 600 Club. She also was an avid reader and member of White Pigeon Friends of the Library.
Her family who will be forever saddened by her passing are her children, Mike and Rene Bates, Brenda and Keith Tozer, and Brent and Sue Bates; grandchildren Gary and Tara Bates, (Trenton, Matthew, Blake and Garrison), Allena and Joel Hartline (Chance), Mike Bates, Jaramie and Mila Jones (Jarred, Anya and Samantha), Cody and Gina Tozer (Harrison), Jennifer Bates and Aaron Earwood (soon to make an appearance, Brynlee); sister Judie and Glenn Morris; brother Jim and Denise Pettit; and several nieces and nephews.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date with inurnment at Chappell Hill Memorial Gardens in Elkhart. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton, Fla., is in care of arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to White Pigeon Township Library, either in person or by mail, to White Pigeon Township Library, P.O. Box 399, White Pigeon MI 49099.
Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.