Susan K. Bates, Beloit/Clinton  (1955 - 2008)

May 25, 1955 - April 24, 2008
Susan K. Bates, 52, of Beloit, WI, formerly of Clinton, died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at home. She was born in Beloit on May 25, 1955, the daughter of Merrill and Ruth (Thompson) Paynter. She married Jimmy Bates on Sept. 26, 1981, at the First Presbyterian Church, Clinton. “I want to be remembered as the girl who sang her song for Jesus Christ”. Sue’s commitment was to her family, to the children of her church and community, and to anyone in need of support or strength. She ministered to many through her music, her undying faith, and her courage to live as a Christian. Sue knew what it meant to be human and to forgive herself and others. The impact of her life has been felt by many.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; two sons, Derek (Jenna) and Cameron Bates, both of Beloit; two grandchildren, Evan and Kylee Bates; her mother, Ruth (Ken) Byerley; three sisters: Christine Wesling of Beloit, Lori Kruizenga of Chicago, and Sandra (Brian) Jacobs of Clinton; a brother, Steven Paynter of Brooklyn, WI; two sisters-in-law, Judy (Jack) Roberts of Milton and Robin (Mike) McCann of Fairfax, VA; and four brothers-in-law: Steve (Kim) Bates of Chelsea, AL, Howard Bates, Doug Kruizenga, both of Minneapolis, MN, and Mike Wesling of Janesville. She is further survived by Randy (Shari) Byerley of Rockford, IL, Jeff (Cindy) Byerley of Rockford, Mary Mattelig of Beloit, Kathy (Phil) Warren of Clinton, Skip Byerley of Chicago, David (Nancy) Byerley of Janesville, Peggy (David) Buckler of Durand, IL, and Karen (Steve) Knutsen of Loves Park. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father; and her brother, John.
Sue’s funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2008, at the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 312 Church St., Clinton, with Rev. Scott Cernek of Harvest Hills Community Church officiating. Friends will be received on Sunday at the SCHOENFELD-MARK FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit, from 4 until 8 p.m. and again on Monday at the CHURCH from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in the Clinton Cemetery. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, me-morial’s may be directed to Beloit Regional Hospice.
SCHOENFELD-MARK
Funeral Homes
1000 Inman Parkway
Beloit - 362-2000
www.schoenfeldmark.com