Irma Bates

I'm free, don't grieve for me for now; I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all; I could not stay that way. I found that peace at the close of the day. If parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full; I've savored much: good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me; God wanted me now; He set me free. Irma, a native of Plentywood, Mont., and a resident of Baton Rouge, was born on April 12, 1946, and peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, surrounded by her family and friends at the Hospice Butterfly Wing at Ollie Steele Burden Manor. She is survived by her loving, devoted husband, Robert Bates, whom she affectionately called Puddin. Irma was retired from the Louisiana Department of Labor and enjoyed traveling and spending time at their fishing camp with Puddin. She was an active volunteer and very involved in their church. She enjoyed the La'Tea Dolls Club, Bridge Group, and was a past member of the Women's Geological Auxiliary. She also enjoyed cross-stitching and made many beautiful baby blankets for her great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, on Friday, Nov. 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by Kim Little-Brooks, pastor, followed by Celebration of Life at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 3555 Jones Creek Road. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, George and Brenda Ramer; sister, Linda Ramer Levet; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Randy Barrilleaux; brother and sister-in-law, John and Bobbie Ramer; and brothers-in-law and their wives, Marvin and Janette Bates and John and Ella Mae Bates. Other survivors include Roy and Laurie Aicklen and their children, Matt and Allison; and Bonnie and Herman and her children, Robert and Andy. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was lovingly known as Grammaw to Audrey and Olivia Barrilleaux and Jacob and Joshua Clement. Preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Beverly Ramer; and her first husband, Tom Lubecke. Pallbearers will be Matt Aicklen, Robert and Andy Yates, Curtis Barrilleaux, Scott Levet and Paul Clement. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Arnold, Bill Bonds and Bryant Delafield. The family would like to thank J. Benton Dupont, M.D., Gerald P. Miletello, M.D., Ronald A. Leo, M.D., Charles Berggreen, M.D., the nurses and entire SUR 1 staff at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Guido DeJesus, M.D., and Hospice staff. Many thanks also to pastor Kim, friends and relatives who lovingly prayed, cared for and supported her and her entire family during her illness. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Baton Rouge, Butterfly Wing, 4250 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 or Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 3555 Jones Creek Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, November 16, 2007
58 p.m.

Service

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Saturday, November 17, 2007
10 a.m.

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816

Memorial Contributions

Hospice of Baton Rouge, Butterfly Wing
4250 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA  70809

Lutheran Church of Our Saviour
3555 Jones Creek Rd.
Baton Rouge, LA  70816