Freda Estel Bates

Freda Estel Bates, age 92, longtime Broken Arrow resident went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday afternoon, April 11, 2020 at Broken Arrow Nursing Home in Broken Arrow, OK. Estel was born August 20, 1927 in Coweta, OK and was the daughter of Luther and Gladys Merle (Wilkinson) Keel. She attended school in Coweta. Estel married the love of her life, John Willis Bates on March 19, 1946 in Coweta and they were blessed with three children, Marji, Mark, and Jodi. She was a devoted homemaker for most of her life and enjoyed taking care of her children. Estel was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Broken Arrow for over 70 years. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, canning, gardening with her husband, Willis, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Estel is survived by 2 children, Marji Cowles of Broken Arrow, OK and Mark Bates and wife Linda of Coweta, OK; 2 brothers, Gary Keel and wife Nedra of Broken Arrow, OK and Tim Keel and wife Charlene of Broken Arrow, OK; 1 sister, Carol Walkup and husband John of Tulsa, OK; 5 grandchildren, Chris Cowles, Jason Bates, Mindy Bates, Tim Bates, and Robin Smith; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Estel was preceded in death by her husband, John Willis Bates; her parents, Luther and Merle Keel; her daughter, Jodi Walker; her brother, Lowell Keel; her sisters, Effie Cowles and Judy Kay; and her grandchildren, Heath Bates and Brandy Walker. Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Brown Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. A private family service will be held for Estel. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Willis at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta. Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Freda Estel Bates entrusted her care and services to Brown Family Funeral Home, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.