Betty Louise Bates, 78, of Flat Rock, N.C. passed away Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Hendersonville Health and Rehab, Flat Rock, N.C.

Born in Buncombe County, she was the daughter of the late Columbus Oliver and Lona Ingle Wilson.

A homemaker, she loved bingo and looping strings for rugs. She was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Polk County.

Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Rev. Robert “Bobby” Bates of Mill Spring, N.C.; a son, Tommy Bates of Sunny View, N.C.; three daughters:  Judy Bates of Gastonia, N.C., Joyce Fortenberry of Sunny View, N.C., and Jeanette Wilson of Bessemer City, N.C.; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a brother, J.C. Wilson of Mill Spring, N.C.; and two sisters, Gladys Bailey of Rutherfordton, N.C. and Callie Williams of Columbus, N.C. She was preceded in death by a grandson Robbie Fortenberry.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Big Level Baptist Church, Mill Spring, N.C. with Rev. Charles Jackson and Mr. Ben Wilson officiating.

The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2012 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC.

Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life at 571 South Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731. An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.