BETTY D. BATES
GUILFORD - Betty Drake Bates, 97 died April 30, 2010 at Hibbard's Nursing Home in Dover-Foxcroft. Betty Mae Drake was born on July 25, 1912 in Parkman a daughter of Martin and Mae (McKusick) Drake. She was raised in Parkman and Guilford and was home-schooled until she entered the 3rd grade in Guilford.

She was an exceptional student but her main interest was sports. She was an outstanding tennis and basketball player. After graduating from Guilford High School in 1929, she went to Castine Normal School where she was also very active in sports, adding field hockey to her list of activities. She graduated in 1931 and did substitute teaching in Guilford.

On May 23, 1936, Betty married William L. Bates. They resided in Guilford where they raised three children. In her younger years she enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing, and card playing. After retirement she and Bill added trailering and square dancing to their activities. They were always welcoming and generous, opening their home to a variety of activities from neighborhood croquet games on the front lawn to PCHS Jazz Band practice in their living room. She was a Cub Scout Den Leader, a member of the PCHS Band Boosters and a member of the Guilford Methodist Church. In later years, on those rare occasions when Betty sat still, she could be found doing crossword puzzles, knitting or reading. Her favorite things have always been her family and the Red Sox. Betty was predeceased by her husband of sixty-five years, William in 2002, and a son, John in 1990.

She is survived by a daughter, Judith Haynes, and her husband Peter of Yarmouth; and a son, Jerry Bates, and his wife Hope of Blanchard. She is also survived by five grandsons: Jeffrey, Timothy, and Christopher Haynes, and Jonathan and William Bates; and eleven great grandchildren: Andrew, Kathryn, Megan, Samuel, Corinne, Miya, and Lily Haynes: and Alaina, Elizabeth, Nikolas, and Isabella Bates.

All are invited to attend a memorial service in Betty's honor at the United Methodist Church, Guilford, Maine on Saturday, May 15th at 2:00 P.M. In Lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Pine Tree Hospice, 895 West Main St. Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Guilford. Those who wish may leave written tributes at www.CrosbyNeal.com.