Marie Melton Bates

Candler Helen Marie Melton Bates, 92, of 106 Meadowbrook Acres, went to sleep in Jesus Friday, April 1, 2016, at her home. Mrs. Bates was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County, was a Homemaker and a member of the Waynesville SDA Church. She was a daughter of the late Bascombe and Maude Ilene Ingle Melton, wife of the late George W. Bates who died in 2001 and was also preceded in death by her children, Sharon Ann Zalabak and George Allen Bates. Surviving are her daughters, Yvonne Marie Bates Fowler and husband, Murel of Apex, Annice and Janice Bates both of the home; 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; sisters, Eileen Conner of Candler and Elaine Metcalf and husband, Sam of Houston, TX and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 PM Tuesday at Oak Hill UMC Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Wait officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CarePartners, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.