Nancy Carol Bates, 86 was called home Friday February 6, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wisconsin. Nancy was born May 11, 1939. in Janesville, Wisconsin to Kermit H. and Barbara J. (Williams) Reed. Nancy graduated from Janesville Senior High School in 1957. She married Vance Bates Jr. September 13, 1958, and resided in Merrillan, WI for the majority of their marriage. After their divorce, Nancy lived in La Crosse then Green Bay and finally Menasha, WI. Nancy had a lifelong passion for reading and was very knowledgeable of History and politics. She was very patriotic and loved her country. Nancy enjoyed vacationing in Mexico and Florida and spending time with her family on Lake Michigan, Colorado and Tennessee. She had an enormous love for her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Tamara Bates of Menasha, WI; Vance (Donna) Bates III of Memphis, TN; Tara Bates of Menasha, WI; Tracy (Jeff) Zindrick of Pueblo West, CO. Grandchildren: Nigel Bates Ernst of Minneapolis, MN; Deanna (Kale) Czerwonka of Greenbrier, AR; Erika Bates of Memphis, TN; Jayde (Nick Caporicci) Zindrick of Pueblo West, CO; Elizabeth Joyce of Port Isabel, TX. Great Grandchildren: Caden (Alex) Newton of Appleton, WI, Nicholas Martinez of Pueblo West, CO; Micah Bates of Wausau, WI. Great Grandchildren: Braxton and Arianna Newton of Appleton, WI. She is also survived by her sister Susan (Randy) Borman of Janesville, WI; and brother Thomas Reed of Janesville, WI.

Nancy was preceded in death by her Parents, her infant son, Steven Reed Bates, and sister-in-law Joann Reed. Services were held at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel funeral chapel in Appleton, WI on February 10, 2026. Internment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Janesville, WI where she was laid to rest beside her parents.

Nancy was a very loving and generous mother, grandmother, and sister who always enjoyed taking care of her family. Nancy will be sadly missed by all who loved and knew her. We love you and miss you mom!