Virginia Bates, 81 homemaker

H. Virginia Bates of Lakeland, Fla., a former Ridgefielder, died of a stroke Friday, Jan. 9, 2004, at Good Shepherd Hospice. She was 81 years old and the widow of George S. Bates.
Mrs. Bates was born in Danbury on Feb. 15, 1922, and had been a homemaker. She lived on Tackora Trail for many years.
In 1983, she and her husband moved to Lakeland. Mr. Bates died in 1988.
She is survived by her daughter, Carol Aldrich of Lakeland; a son, Gary Bates of Hickory, N.C.; a brother, William Hodshon of Charlestown, R.I.; a sister, Elizabeth Burdick of Danbury; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services took place in Florida.
Donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823.
The National Cremation Society was in charge of arrangements.