Nancy Lee Bates

Nancy Lee Bates, age 84, of Albia, IA, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Vista Woods Care Center in Ottumwa, IA. Nancy was born on August 3, 1939, in Winifred, MT, to Kuzma and Johanna (Pipinich) Simac. She was the 15th of 17 children and the youngest girl in the family. Nancy grew up on a small family ranch in Montana. She graduated from high school before attending Montana State University for 2 years. Nancy moved to California where she met the love of her life, Dr. James Joseph Bates. Nancy and Jim were united in marriage on September 26, 1964, in West Los Angeles and to this union, 4 children were born, Joe, Jim, Maggie, and Bob. Nancy and Jim were blessed with 48 years of marriage prior to Jim’s passing on July 10, 2012. Nancy worked for a physician’s group while in California, receiving training in a variety of areas, including phlebotomy. Upon Jim’s discharge from the Navy, they moved to Iowa where Jim opened a dental practice. Nancy’s most treasured and important job was staying home to raise her children, ensuring all their needs were met, taking them everywhere, and never missing activities such as ball games or golf tournaments. Nancy was a devout member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia and had an unwavering faith. She enjoyed being outdoors. She loved flowers, the tropicana rose being her favorite, and took pride in her flower gardening. Nancy was always active and enjoyed playing golf and taking walks. She was a phenomenal cook, known for her lasagna. She was selfless and generous, a true example of having a “heart of gold” and was always demonstrating her love for others. Nancy enjoyed visiting with others and entertaining. Above all else, Nancy’s family was everything to her and she cherished all the time spent with them. Nancy is survived by 4 children, Dr. Joe (Maureen) Bates, Jim (Lauren) Bates, Maggie (Mike) Cassidy, and Bob (Rebecca) Bates; 5 grandchildren, Katie Cassidy, and Sam, Charlie, Will and Hannah Bates; a sister, Lucy Carr; and 2 brothers, Jim and Bob Simac. Nancy is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jim Bates; her parents, Kuzma and Johanna; and siblings, Helen, Joseph, Stephany, Anne, Mary, Margaret, Rosie, Katy, Joan, Fannie, John, Dicy, and Jerry. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Nancy’s family present from 4:00-8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Mark Yates, C.PP.S. and Father Michael Rossmann, S.J. co-officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Albia Public Library.

Nancy Lee Bates

August 3, 1939 - May 23, 2024