Hannah Jane Bates

Hannah Jane (Baker) Bates, daughter of John F. Baker and Mary Frances (Burrell) Baker died peacefully at Holy Trinity in the presence of family. Hannah Jane was born in Boise, ID on November 5th, 1921. Her beloved husband, William F. Bates predeceased her in 1991. She is survived by her children Sharon Lee White and her husband Louis White of Weiser, ID; Nicole M. Brown of Worcester, MA; Anthony W. Ferguson and his wife Cheryl Ferguson of Sahuarita, AZ; William T. Ferguson and his wife Michele W. Ferguson of Newport, RI; Robert W. Bates of Jacksonville, FL; Stephen W. Bates and his wife Rachael Bates of Sedro Woolley, WA; and Michael A. Bates and his wife Joan Bates of Renton, WA. She is also survived by a brother Michael H. Luque of Eagle, ID; and a sister Donna M. Jenson of Ogden, UT. Finally she leaves, 15 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. A life-long lover of books, Hannah Jane was caught more than once reading with a flashlight under the covers and was known by the staff of any public library in her neighborhood. She also loved to play cards, complete jigsaw puzzles, play the piano, and paint in oils and water colors. She loved cross-stitch, knitting and all manner of crafts and entertained her family and friends by cooking southern comfort food, as her Kentucky grandmother taught her. Finally, Hannah loved to fish for trout in the lakes and streams of Idaho, defying any and all mosquitoes. During WWII, Hannah served her country in the Portland, OR shipyards and earned the designation: "Rosie the Riveter." Later while raising children she attended nursing school, graduated, and had a wonderful career in the medical field. She was a cherished friend and coworker wherever she lived. Services for Hannah will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 11:30 am in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 67 Chester St. Worcester, MA. A period of calling hours will be held from 10:00 am till 11:30 am in the church. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Covina California. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Hannah's name can be made to Juvenile Diabetes Assn., care of the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston or the Worcester Public Library, 1 Salem Square Worcester. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. is honored to assist the family with arrangements.