Helen Frances Coates

Elizabeth Aletha Coates died on May 1, 2012 at her daughter and son-in-law's Red Bluff home with several family members at her side.

She was born at Buena Park, CA on August 30, 1920. Her parents Calvin "Jack" and Ida "Pat" Ledford. She married Clifford Coates on November 3, 1938 and they had two daughters; Mary Etta Griffith and Kathleen Knight. Cliff and "Libby" moved to Red Bluff in 1947, settling in the Bend District. They lived there for almost 20 years then moved to Pine Creek Road in 1964. While living in the Bend, Libby became an avid gardener, a country girl through and through, milked a cow, loved to deer hunt and camp out, she was janitor at the Bend Elementary School and a 4-H leader.

In the early 60's Cliff gave her an artist's starter kit for a Christmas gift and thus began her life as an artist. A member of the Red Bluff Art Association since 1963, Libby became well known for her beautiful oil and water color paintings.

While living on Pine Creek Road Cliff and Libby traveled viz motor home to many places. The acquired many pictures during that part of their lives and traveled with life time friends.

After the death of her husband, Libby renewed a long time friendship with Gene Surr whose wife had also died of cancer. Gene and Libby became traveling companions, planning trips with senior groups to places such as Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Europe, and Tennessee. They also attended lots of local events, took historical trips, hiked, took up bird watching, went to exercise classes.

Along with her membership with the Red Bluff Art Association, she was a member of the Sun Country Quilters, the Tehama County Historical Society, Sigma Beta Phi Sorority, the Presbyterian Church and the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church.

She leaves behind her two daughters; Mary and Katie, her son-in-law Bill Knight, 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that loved her deeply.

She will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery along-side her husband Clifford. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 18th at 3:00 PM at the Vineyard Church on 738 Walnut Street.

Her loved ones know that she is now hearing "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Arrangements under the direction of Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers, Red Bluff, CA.