Veleta Elaine Bates, 69, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022, at Pin Oaks Living Center.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 24, 2022, at Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Forman conducting the service.  Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 24, from 9:00 A.M. until time of services at the church.

Arnold Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Mrs. Bates was born on March 5, 1953 in Mexico, the daughter of Harry Joseph and Helena Catherine (Fine) Sullivan.  On June 23, 1984, in Mexico, she married Homer "Paul" Bates who preceded her in death.

Veleta was a great cook and loved to share a meal and time with her family.  She was a very caring person and gave of herself to others.  Veleta enjoyed going on small outings and was willing to drop everything to go on these trips.  Veleta would spend her leisure time hitting various bingo games.

Survivors include one daughter, Stacey (Doug) Burrow of Mexico; one son, Justin Bates (fiancé Jessica Winn) of Mexico; one brother, John (Sunshine) Sullivan; two sisters, Eileen (Kenneth) Wyss of Mexico and Elizabeth Garnett of Mexico; four grandchildren, Dylan Burrow, Katie Burrow, Hunter Bates and Roseanne Winn.

Veleta was preceded in death by her husband Paul Bates; her parents, Harry and Helena Sullivan; two brothers, Clarence Sullivan and Thomas Sullivan; three sisters, Dessie Kidwell, Edith Key and Agnes VanSkike.

The family requests memorial donations be made to King's Daughters Home. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.