Doris Lea (Stitt) Bates, born on April 17, 1934, returned to the Lord on April 28, 2025 at the age of 91. Doris, an Air Force nurse, married Reverend Richard Bates, the love of her life, on January 31, 1959 in Wichita Falls, Texas. They celebrated 57 years of marriage together.

As a minister's wife, Doris, a consummate hostess, adapted to the many family moves across the country by writing letters to friends and family throughout her lifetime. Doris connected to people all over the world, evident by the stacks of letters and cards left behind. When life was challenging, she was the first one to send her regards, providing comfort and care to the lucky recipient, a lost art with all this technology today. We take comfort she is back in Richard's arms, something he would wish often in his letters home to his Dear Doris. Known as Grandma Dear amongst her great-grandchildren, and from their little mouths they expressed perfectly what many couldn't..."We love her so."

Preceded in death by Richard in 2016, Doris is survived by her daughter Ruth (German) Moran, son James (Margarita) Bates, son Jonathan (Jill) Bates, daughter Darlene (Philip) Camus and son Nathan (Kristin) Bates, brother-in-law Jim Abrams, sisters Katherine (Jerry) Barkman and Barbara Dick, grandchildren (the originals) Jessica, Julie and Jackie, Megan, Bethany, Calvin, Philip, Chelsea, Kaylee, Jack, Madison, Miles and great-grandchildren Cole, Barrett, Anna, Henry, Hazel, Blake, Mila, Hattie, Elijah, Mack, Roy, Dawson, Kali, Ivy, Odin, Remy and Georgia.

A celebration/memorial will be held on May 10 at Raybrook Manor Chapel at 2121 Raybrook Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546 with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. A light luncheon will follow in the Friendship Room. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Benevolence Fund , Compassion International , or Samaritan's Purse .