Deborah Virginia Bates

Deborah Virginia Bates, is a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, Church leader and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Heaven welcomed our angel home on March 8, 2021.

After a successful kidney transplant, Debbie experienced unexpected complications resulting in a cardiac arrest. Days later, she was surrounded by her husband and seven daughters at the time of her passing.

Debbie was the daughter of Virginia Lewis and Wayne Belda. She is an older sister to Jeanette Schurz and half-sister to the late Greg Belda. She grew up as a daddy’s girl in Hollywood, California. She loved adventure and taking on any challenge. She was known for her ability to conquer what appeared to be impossible tasks with unwavering conviction; there was always a way. She had an infectious personality and a bright smile that drew you in.

Debbie had a passion for learning and received her Bachelors of Science from Brigham Young University in 1975. She was the first in her family to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. She and Gil Neilson married while at BYU and had three daughters, Jessica, Natalie and Tiffany. She was involved with real estate ownership and property management at an early age. She owned and managed multiple residential and commercial properties in Southern California. Later, she extended her entrepreneurial spirit by creating her own candy business, The Sugar Patch.

Debbie ended up as a single parent and was very successful in raising her three beautiful daughters for several years. In 1997, she met the love of her life, Gary Bates. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on May 8, 1999. Through that union, she welcomed four more daughters into her life. Since then, she has become the grandmother of 23 wonderful grandchildren who loved her dearly.

Debbie faced many trials in life and through it all she always kept a bright hope that all would be well. She was immovable in her faith, always positive and found ways to lift others through her service and inspiration. Through her Church membership, she held many positions of leadership and service. One of her favorite places to serve was as an ordinance worker in the Las Vegas Temple.

She loved God’s creations on this earth, especially being in the fresh air of both the mountains and beaches. She loved spending every possible moment with her family from playing games, kissing and snuggling, finding shells at the beach, laying in the sun, hiking, fishing and crawling in caves.

Debbie was the queen of entertaining. She was always ready to whip up a meal whenever anybody dropped by. She loved spending time with her friends laughing, telling stories and sharing love. Many of her personal highlights were those special times spent with incredible friends.

She is survived by her husband, Gary; her daughters, Connie (Rick), Janette (Jeff), Michelle (Spencer), Jessica (Jeff), Natalie (Travis), Shannon (Anthony), Tiffany (Jon); and 23 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Jeanette (Karl) and nephew Aaron.

She will be missed by all who knew her on this earth. She will be welcomed by all who passed before her in the next. We love you more.