In Memory of

Dianne

L.

Bates

Obituary for Dianne L. Bates

Dianne Leslie Bates

Dianne L. Bates, a Colorado native and Sidney, Nebraska resident, died peacefully and with family at her side in Sidney on April 30, 2020, after her battle with cancer.
You may view Dianne’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.
Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service is in charge of Dianne’s care and funeral arrangements.
Dianne is survived by her five children Gina Layne Christensen and husband Eric, John Joshua Hanley, Crystal Lynn Hanley, Jacob Allen Hanley, and Carl Lee Taylor; her grandchildren Riley, Austin, Norah, Matthew, Korbin, Kaleb, and Karsen; and her beloved fur baby, Runner. She is also survived by her siblings William “Bill” Bates and wife Susan, Danielle “Dani” Brown and husband Dan, and Michael “Mike” Bates as well as oodles of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dianne was preceded in death by her parents William Riley Bates and Marilu Constance (Baines) Bates, and her sister Marilyn Denise “Deni” Sherman.
Filled with compassion, Dianne loved all animals—especially dogs and horses. Most importantly, she was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and sister who adored her children and grandchildren more than anything. Dianne treasured holidays and family get-togethers. She always cherished every opportunity to spend time with her family. One of Dianne’s biggest successes is evidenced by her children, all of which are responsible, loving, and giving souls.
Dianne’s professional career was varied; she was known as a dedicated and hard worker and worked in customer service, hospitality, and most recently, as housekeeping director of a skilled nursing facility. As Director, she went above and beyond to ensure the residents had their wants and needs met. Dianne always made a spectacular Christmas display in the lobby of the facility that many of the residents loved to sit and admire.
Dianne will be remembered by her incredible strength, fortitude, courage and resilience; hilarious sense of humor; deep love and affection for her family; plucky sassiness; and prolific baking and cooking skills, especially in preparation for holidays and family gatherings. To know Dianne is to know that she was a perfect mix of tenderness and toughness.
We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Dianne during her life, among them: Love is a way of life that is demonstrated every day, not just by a snapshot or a moment; when the world throws obstacles in your path, it is how you respond that is important; and there is no place for a pity party!
Dianne and her family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Cheyanne Meade and Heather Rios, who despite the unavailability of hospice due to the COVID 19 pandemic, came to Dianne’s home each day and provided nursing care and companionship to make sure that she was well cared for. These two are the epitome of living Angels.
Dianne’s family will hold an open house memorial Saturday, May 9th from 1pm to 5pm at 1154 5th Avenue, in Sidney Nebraska. A formal funeral and interment will be held in Denver, Colorado at a future date when the COVID 19 stay safe in place restrictions have been lifted.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Dumb Friends League.