Raymond J. Bates

Raymond J. Bates of Caro, age 80, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper in Saginaw. Ray was born April 7, 1944 in Ypsilanti where he was raised by Lena (Pancake) Collier. He graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1962 and was active in the band, enjoyed tennis, and was introduced to his love of the colors blue and yellow. He attended Eastern Michigan University briefly before taking a position with the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan as a guidance counselor. Ray was drafted to service with the US Army in 1969, stationed at a medic base north of Fairbanks, Alaska and treated wounded soldiers returning from Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge in 1971, he continued his studies in education at Eastern where he would soon meet the love of his life and future bride, Linda Wagner, whom he celebrated fifty years of marriage with just a few months ago. During his studies at Eastern, he was employed at Yorkwoods Hospital, a children’s division of the Ypsilanti State Hospital and remained close with many coworkers there for the remainder of his life. He graduated in 1973 and married Linda the following year on March 30 at the Detroit Epiphany Lutheran Church. In 1976, Ray graduated with his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and moved to Caro shortly after to begin a twenty-five year career with the Caro State Hospital as a social worker, retiring as the director of social work there in 2002. Ray was a devoted family man that dedicated his life to ensuring their happiness and well-being. An avid fly fisherman, Ray spent his time building rods, tying flies, and planning his next excursion. He was an adept woodworker that made timeless pieces for family and friends alike. Music was another part of Ray’s life that transcended his years here. He was a gifted guitarist, percussionist, and proud charter member of Eclectic Junction, a music group he remained active with through his final days. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro and a devoted community volunteer that served on boards for McLaren Caro Region Hospital, Caro Transit Authority, Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems and its predecessor board of Community Mental Health, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Caro. His family and community mourn the loss of his quiet wisdom, his gentle melody, his quick wit, and his loving spirit.

Left to cherish Ray’s memory are his loving wife, Linda Bates of Caro; two daughters and their spouses, Erin & Drew Barwis of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jillian & Phil Genua of Prince Frederick, Maryland; four grandchildren, Ryan Genua, Simon Barwis, Mitchell Genua, and Cali Genua; two brothers, Tom Witten and Carl Witten; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lena Baker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. Ray’s family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Caro Exchange Club Forest or Friends of the Caro Library.