Thelma M. (Appel) Bates

Thelma M. (Appel) Bates, 89, of Middlebury Center passed away Thursday February 17, 2022 in her home. She was born April 8, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA to Robert and Thelma (Janecek) Appel. On May 1, 1954 she married Charles I. Bates, Jr. with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. Thelma was a vibrant and active woman who enjoyed gardening, square dancing, crafting, travelling, canning, cooking and volunteering with Child Evangelism Fellowship. She and Charles were members of the Holiday Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Middlebury Center.

Surviving are her husband; 4 daughters: Sandra Lee Spitery of Falls Church, VA, Leslie S. Malek-Madani of Paonia, CO, Sharon L. Howell of Evans Mills, NY, and Lynn S. Bates of Colorado Springs, CO; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her sister: Elizabeth Topham, and her brother: Robert Appel.

In accordance with her wishes arrangements are through the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA, and there will be a memorial service to celebrate her life at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in her memory are asked to consider the Child Evangelism Fellowship 16 Charleston St, Wellsboro, PA 16901. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.

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