Obituary of Myrna F. Bates

Myrna F. Bates, 88, of Honesdale, PA entered her eternal home into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She will be reunited with her beloved husband of 46 years, Richard and her daughter, Debra Joy amongst a host of relatives and friends who have gone before her. What an amazing day to behold. Myrna loved life and had her fair share of earthly accolades. She loved her sports (HS basketball, women's softball, church volleyball and bowling). She also loved to grow her vegetables and compete in the local fairs. (WCF and GDS). She was the Lady to beat! " Mom was always amazed at how a tiny seed planted could produce a crop." She was such a perfectionist and that is a hard act to follow. That said, none of these accomplishments compared to the love and focus on her Lord and Savior and the blessings of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandson. Myrna cherished her Tabernacle Bible church family and looked forward to the Annual Valentine's Day banquets and Ladies Fellowship Mother and Daughter banquets. She worked for hours, with many of her friends at church, crafting the favors for place settings, special bulletins for programs and participated in decorating the church for these joyous occasions. Myrna loved her HHS classmates of 1954 as they enjoyed getting together monthly and going out for meals, reminiscing and fellowshipping together. She looked forward to the thoughtful cards of encouragement and reading the signatures to us. In recent days, Myrna found new love for her caregivers, residents and staff at Wayne Woodlands Manor in Waymart. She enjoyed the company of her newly adopted family. God bless each of them. Her husband Richard, daughter Debra Joy, brother Gerald Rockwell, grandson Brian Keith Branning, along with parents and in-laws, all brother/sister in-laws and her good friend Robert James Perry, preceded Myrna in eternal life. Myrna is survived by her children, Donna L. Branning and husband Terry, Beach Lake, Richard A. Bates, Jr and wife Kim, Beach Lake, Kenneth B. Bates and wife JoAnn, Honesdale, Robin F. Bates, Honesdale and our "adopted" sister, Denise Geffken, Honesdale. She is also survived by grandchildren: TJ Branning and Becky Curly, Chad Branning, Rick and (wife) Angela Bates, Melissa and (husband) Mike Heimbach, of Selingsgrove, PA, Amanda Bates of VA, Vanessa and (husband) James Lancellotti of VA, Jonathan R. Bates, Katie Bates and Jeremey Rotundo and Great Grandchildren: Zach, Aviana, Raegan, Aaron/Lexi, Anna and Avery Branning,, Carson and Nolan Bates, Gabe and Nate Heimbach and Weston Meszler and Elena Rotundo-Bates and a Great, Great Grandson: Colt Branning. Precious memories made. Myrna had a very special Bible verse to share with everyone: (KJV) Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Pastor John S. Banks will officiate at the graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to Tabernacle Bible Church, 455 Grove St., Honesdale, PA 18431-1001. Arrangements are being directed by Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, 1228 North Main Street, Honesdale PA 18431 (570) 253-0260