Norma Jean Bates

Norma Jean Bates of Caro, age 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Bayview Gardens in Sebewaing. Norma was born January 7, 1930, the daughter of the late Arnold and Esther (Baur) Gremel. She graduated from Sebewaing High School with the class of 1948. Norma was united in marriage with Vernon (Vern) Bates on June 3, 1950. After 64 years of marriage, he preceded her in death in 2015.

Norma was a life long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and served on many committees. She served as a past Sunday School Teacher and superintendent, as well as Jr. Choir director and member of Adult Choir. On occasion in church she would sing solo a German hymn for Christmas or Lenten services.

Over the course of many years, Norma was employed with Caro Community Hospital (now McLaren) and was a displayer for Home Interiors and Gifts. In 1988, she was elected Commissioner to the Tuscola County Board of Commissioners for twelve years, serving five of them as Chairperson, ultimately retiring in 2002. Norma spent many hours doing cross-stitch/needlepoint projects for family and friends. She also enjoyed watching her children and grandkids play sports and participate in school events and was an avid Lions and Detroit Tigers fan.

Norma is survived by three children, Annette Macklin of DeWitt, Timothy (Rebecca) Bates of Caro, James (Michele) Bates of The Villages Florida; grandchildren, Chad (Amy) Tomlinson, Eric Tomlinson, Jodi (Scot) Stepek, and Scott (Susan) Bates; great-grandchildren: Myles, Elliot and Ian Tomlinson; Kate, Claire, and Jack Tomlinson; Alexandra and Anthony Monacelli; step-great-grandchildren: Adam, Allyson, and Luke Stepek; brother and sister-in-law, James and Judy Gremel; sister-in-law, Evelyn Reis; many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Norma was predeceased by her sisters, Dorothy (Al) Tagleuer and Betty (Karl) Kundinger; sisters-in-law, Hilda Gremel and Doris Bates; brother, Orville Gremel; brothers-in-law, Cliff Bates Jr., Harold Proudfoot, and Hank Reis.

A memorial service will be on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of her service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Endowment Fund.