BETH ALMIRA BATES (nee Calkins) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Herman Valmer Bates, passed away after a lengthy illness on Monday, May 19, 2008 at the age of 70 years.

Beth was born in Lacombe, AB on September 26, 1937. She worked as a cashier for Woodward's but devoted her time prior to that to bringing up her three children. In her younger years she was very active in community activities and sports such as skating, curling, hockey, baseball and bowling. Beth was one of the founders of the Foremost Figuring Skating Club. In her later years she was very involved with her children and her grandchildren. She was a familiar face at the various schools and functions that her grandchildren attended. She will sorrowfully be missed by us all.

Beth is survived by her daughters Cheryl (Mark) Bunning and Teresa (Don) McKenna and Son Lynn (Marilyn) Bates; grandchildren Jason Bates, Kerri Thomsen, Nicki Austin, Dustin Krysa, Darnell Krysa, Bryce Bates, Sanchira Bunning, Tanya Carifelle, Juliet Carifelle, Tyrel Carifelle, April Gladue, Shayden Thunder; great-grandchildren Ethan Thomsen, Austin Braun, Damon Bates, Dimitri Bates and Noah Austin; sister Joan (Jack) Morgan; brothers Alan (Jackie) Calkins, Jack (Barb) Calkins, Dwight (Adie) Calkins and Wes (Ermagard) Calkins; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Besides her loving husband Herman, Beth was predeceased by her parents Grover and Frances Calkins.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00pm and 9:00pm on Friday, May 23, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with Reverend Terry Shillington officiating. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.