Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Esther L. Bates, 70, Sandusky, died on Monday, August 30, 2010 in Stein Hospice Care Center.
She was born on September 21, 1939 in Chillicothe, Ohio, and graduated from Unioto High School. She was employed by Ford Motor Company, Sandusky, Dots Department Store, and H & R Block. Esther was the current president of the Sandusky Underground Railroad Education Center. She was very involved with the Underground Railroad Center, as well as, the trolley tours. She enjoyed shopping and traveling. She loved being with her family and friends, and enjoyed celebrating the holidays.
Esther is survived by her children, Toni Bates, Celeste Bates, Ammerson "Chico" Bates, and Raynell Bates, all of Sandusky, Kathaleen Bates, Carmichael, CA, Thad Bates, Chillicothe, OH, and Russell Bates III, Las Vegas, NV; eighteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; brothers, Clyde (Josephine) Valentine, Oberlin, OH, and Clarence "Jake" (Elvira) Valentine; special friends, Mildred Gant, Mary Chaney, and Mary Ann Groot: a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Bates, Jr.; parents, Clarence and Estella (Hitchens) Valentine; brothers, Bernell Valentine, Robert Valentine, Kenneth Valentine, and Lester Valentine; sisters, Mary Lynch, Mildred Brandon, and Stella Mae Johnson; great-grandsons, Fred Eugene Collins, III, and Torey Carter Graham.
Friends may call on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 from 1-3 P.M. and 6-9 P.M. in Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1 P.M. in Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky. Rev. Darrell Gant will officiate. Burial will be in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron. Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice, Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH, 44870. Condolences may be shared at www.toftfh.com.
