Phyllis Jeanne Bates

Phyllis Jeanne (Leach) Bates peacefully departed this life on Monday, January 29, 2018 in Lubbock, Texas at the age of 86. She was born on April 2, 1931 to J.C and Pauline Leach. She attended Slaton High School where she was the head drummer in the band, vice president of the Sub Deb social club, secretary treasurer of the senior class, member of the Choral Club, garden demonstrator in the 4H Club and elected band sweetheart in 1948. She attended Texas Tech University and was a member of the Ko Shari (Pi Beta Phi) social club and was selected Tech Beauty in 1950. 

She married Bill G. Ware in 1952 and they lived on the Ware Family Ranch in Floyd and Motley Counties until Bill’s premature death in 1964. She moved to Lubbock with her three sons and became a realtor. She was a successful residential and commercial real estate broker and invested in real estate. She married Bill Bates in 1968 and they had a son, Robert. She was active in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the local Lubbock chapter. She enjoyed golfing, tennis, playing cards and playing the piano. She had a special place in her heart for Shelties. Her beloved Dandy showed an amazing loyalty to her to the very end. 

She is survived by her four sons; Robert Bates of Lubbock, Johnny Bill Ware of Scottsdale, David Ware of Los Angeles, and Joe Ware and daughter-in-law, Kim Ware of San Antonio; grandchildren, Joey Bates, Amanda and Beau Ware, Beverly-Bragg, Stella and Hope Ware, Aubrey, Lillie and Grace Ware; two great grandchildren. 

Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Lake Ridge Chapel located at 6025 82 Street.