Susan Kay (Ishmael) Bates

Susan K. Bates, 68, died on Aug. 8 at her home in Newton.

Susan was born on July 17, 1946, to Calvin Eugene Ishmael and Florence Elizabeth Hayes in Trenton, Missouri.

"With a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye," Susan was not only a dedicated mother, but a loving and faithful Christian. She was filled with such an enduring spirit and passion for life, undoubtedly to all that knew her, and, in a word, unforgettable. Susan had ideas and knew how to accomplish them. Her creative mind had a never ending list of projects to complete or one-of-a-kind re-treasuring art projects to tend to. Susan was courageous. She started and successfully ran a "Bed and Breakfast" and remodeled multiple homes. She was not only proficient in handling crochet needles, but, power tools as well. Her ability to observe and appreciate God's beauty in everyday things was an inspiration in her own life and large part of her testimony. From resident owls, rabbits and wrens, to sand dollars on the shore, and fireflies with their luminescent bodies, Susan had the ability to create and share magical moments and treasures with others in life. Susan's abundance of love and natural caring personality and special ability to listen was limitless and rewarded her with an abundance of friendships and countless "adoptees." Susan was dearly loved and quite special.

She was preceded in death by her father: Calvin Eugene Ishmael. She is survived by her mother: Florence Elizabeth Royer; children: Lisa N. Sherrard and husband, Jeff, Kristofor A. Kasner and wife, Kerstin, Keith A. Kasner and wife, Brandi, Todd D. Bates; sister, Rebecca A. Heller; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Petersen Funeral Home Chapel. A private family committal service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. There is no visitation.