Robert Dean "Bob" Bates

     Robert Dean "Bob" Bates, age 79, of Ithaca, MI, passed away on peacefully Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at the Laurels of Mt. Pleasant, MI with his family by his side.

     A Graveside Service will be held at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, with Pastor Doug Strait officiating.  A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date.

     Robert was born in Ithaca, Michigan on April 20, 1943, the son of Barney and Jessamine (Reeves) Bates.  He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1961.

     Bob loved cars and tractors. He spent many enjoyable hours painting and restoring them. He liked to watch NASCAR (Hendrick's Motorsports) and Ithaca High School football. He retired from General Motors in Lansing. In recent years, he enjoyed watching and identifying the birds at his bird feeder. Most of all, he loved his family and friends and spending time together.

     He is survived by his son Todd (Mary) Bates of CO; daughter Kelly (Bradley) Ostroske of Ithaca, MI; five grandchildren: Brianna (Lucas) Slater, Zach Bates, Ryan (Jenna) Donley, Sierra Bates, and Joshua Bates; two great-grandchildren: Claire, and Cohen; his twin sister Ruth Ann (Carl) Cratsenburg and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Gene (Lois) Bates, Harlan (Beth) Bates; and infant brother Kendall Bates.

     The family requests memorials to be made to Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.