Wilbur Bill Russell Bates Obituary

Description: Wilbur "Bill" Russell Bates Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Wilbur "Bill" Russell Bates

January 9, 1935 — December 16, 2025

Fowler

Obituary

Wilbur “Bill” Russell Bates, 90, of Fowler, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, at the Fowler Health Care Center. He was born on January 9, 1935, in Manzanola, to Ralph and Lola Bates.

Bill is survived by his children: Kathy (Steve) Bauserman, Beth (Tom) Hartless, Susie Bates, and Russell (Shaleen) Bates; grandchildren: Jill Bauserman, Kyle Bauserman, Abbey Hartless, Shelby (Brett) Rusler, Brennan (Taylor) Bates, and Braxton Bates; and two great-grandchildren, Hayes and Hudson Rusler. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lois Bates.

Bill graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1953 and shortly thereafter joined the United States Army, serving in Korea from 1954 to 1957. In August of 1957, he met the love of his life, Lois Brock. The couple married that December at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, Kansas.

Bill and Lois began their life together in Pueblo, where they lived until the fall of 1972, when they moved to Fowler and raised their four children. Bill initially worked at the CF&I Steel Mill in Pueblo before beginning a long career at Minnequa Works Credit Union in Pueblo. He retired in 2009.

Following retirement, Bill and Lois devoted their time to family, especially enjoying cheering on their children and grandchildren in all of their activities. Bill also found great joy working in his shop and spending time caring for projects around the family home. He took great pride in watching his family compete and succeed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Bill to Solid Rock Baptist Church, 705 W. Pitkin Ave., Fowler, CO 81039.

Bellwood Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

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