Barbara Louise Bates

July 2, 1932 – February 18, 2021

Barbara L. (Moore) Bates, 88 of Palmdale, Ca, passed away peacefully at her home on February 18th, 2021

Barbara was born at Boston City Hospital in Boston, MA. on July 2, 1932. She lived in Revere and Malden, Mass with her mother, Grace A. (Moore) Kelly, and her stepfather Michael J. Kelly, and graduated from Malden High School. She married Robert Earle Bates on May 25, 1957 in Seabrook, NH. She moved with her husband and young daughter, Donna, to Palmdale, CA in 1957 when her husband got a job working for JPL & NASA at Edwards Air Force Base. She worked as telephone operator for Pacific Bell for several years, and eventually worked for the Palmdale Hospital as a switchboard operator for many years, retiring in 1995.

She was involved with her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, for over 40 years, participating as the treasurer and other positions. They traveled, did activities together and participated in charitable events within the community to include having bake sales, making ribbons and blankets to donate to local retirement homes and to the VA hospital. She enjoyed knitting, sewing and painting. She created many beautiful paintings, blankets and things that she gave to her friends and family over the years. She collected small houses and lighthouses and enjoyed decorating her home with them.

Barbara dedicated herself to her family and friends. She was always willing to help the people she loved, whether it was to offer her home to stay or to take care of them when they needed a little help. She always spoke what was on her mind and made an unforgettable impression on everyone she met. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Donna Tuttle, her brother Robert (Bobby) Kelly and his wife Judy and their children, her granddaughters; Andrea, Christine, and Nicole. Her great grandchildren; Devontae, Dallas, Tyson, AJ, Tyrone Jr. and Azia and her great-great grandchildren; Amiya and Andre.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. She will be escorted by her brother to the Old South Cemetery in Boxborough, Massachusetts, where she will be laid to rest with her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association