Stella Louise Bates, 79 0f Whitesburg, Ky, passed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father, peacefully at her home on Saturday, September 5, 2026. She was born on October 28, 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Morris and Della Mae Maggard. She was 79 years, 10 months and 7 days of age at the time of her passing.
Stella married the love of her life, Jesse Wayne Bates on March 13, 1971. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Jesse Wayne Bates; three sons, Morris (Tracy) Bates of Winchester, Steven (Mary) Bates of Jenkins and Tim (Misty) Bates of Whitesburg. One stepdaughter, Melissa Dunn of Taylorsville and one sister, Mary Katherine Wilson of Whitesburg.
Stella is also survived by her five grandchildren: Jesse (Sarah) Bates of Winchester, Daianara (Hunter) Branham of Jenkins, Dustin (Lauren) Bates of Winchester, Shyenne Bates and her best friend Drew of Rock Springs, Wyoming and Kiaria Cody of Clinton; as well as one great grandchild, Callan Branham of Jenkins.
She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory and mourn her passing.
Stella was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Gwen Jones Saylor.
She was member of Hemphill Baptist Church, where her faith was important part of her life. Stella will be remembered for the love she shared with her family, the devotion she showed to those closest to her and the memories she created throughout her life. Her presence will be deeply missed but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Stella Louis Bates, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
7
Sep
65 Main Street
Whitesburg, KY 41858
Service
8
Sep
65 Main Street
Whitesburg, KY 41858
Cemetery Details
Location
88 High St
Whitesburg, KY 41858
