Thelma L. Bates, 97, of Hamburg, passed away in her residence on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. She was the wife of George F. Bates, who died August 4, 2008.
She was the daughter of the late George Becker and Lizzie (Reppert) Becker Bennecoff. Thelma worked as a sewing machine operator for Windsor Knitting Mill, Hamburg, until her retirement. She was a member of First United Church of Christ, Hamburg. Thelma enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family.
Thelma is survived by two daughters: Patricia C. (Bates), wife of Alton H. Hartman, Jr., Robesonia; and Lyndell M. (Bates), wife of Kenneth P. Johnson, Hamburg and with whom she resided; four grandchildren: Kevin L. Hartman, fiance of Teresa Bye; Karen L. (Hartman), wife of Craig Weisman; Cory M. Johnson, husband of Lindsay (Werley) Johnson; Lindsay C. (Johnson), wife of Steven Crespo; eight great-grandchildren: Benjamin Hartman, and his wife Dawn; Jacob Hartman, and his wife Regan; Zachary and Joshua Weisman; Kaeli and Jordyn Crespo; and Thomas and Cory, Jr. Johnson; and five great-great-grandchildren: Marissa, Tyler, Alexis, Taeva, and Cameron. She is also survived by one sister: Arlene (Becker) Burkert, Hamburg. Thelma was predeceased by a grandson: Gary L. Johnson, who died May 2002; and four sisters: Anna Filman, Elda Ritter, Dorothy Thomas, and Lorraine Gust.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday at 4:00 pm from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 65 S. 4th Street, Hamburg (off street parking in rear). A visitation with the family will be held in the funeral home Sunday 3:30 to 4:00 pm. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to First United Church of Christ, Third and Pine Streets, Hamburg, PA 19526. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.