Thelma Bates, 84, went home to be with our Lord on Monday, November 9, 2015.  She was born June 18, 1931 to the late Clinton and Dorothy Lamielle.  She made her home in Akron after marrying Raymond in 1953, where she proudly started her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Thomas Hospital until she left to raise her children.  She then returned to work to start her career in geriatrics at Valley View Nursing Home in 1975, retiring in 1998 after 23 years of service.

She was a loving mother, devoted caregiver and employee, loyal friend and committed wife. She enjoyed travelling with her daughter, rooting for the Indians alongside her son, hosting family holiday dinners and spending time with her "grand-dogs".

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; brothers, Richard, Vincent, and Theodore Lamielle.  She is survived by daughter, Suzanne of Akron; son, James of Akron; brother, Joseph (Sue) Lamielle of Wadsworth; sister, Rosemary Waldron of Sebring; many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff at Hickory Ridge Nursing Home for their care and support.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, at Hennessy Funeral Home (corner of York and Main), 552 N. Main St., Akron, with Deacon John Hirnikle officiating.  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and the Humane Society of Summit County.