Mary Jo Bates

Mary Jo Bates, 75 of Warren, OH, with her family by her side died Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Cleveland Clinic Hospital following a brief illness. She was born, April 7, 1935 in Albert Lea, MN, the Daughter of Joseph and Goldie (Williams) Losen.

Mary Jo loved being a homemaker and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Howland Community Church, the Howland Mother's Club, Ford V-8 Club, and the P. Buckley Moss Society. She was an avid bowler, loved to play cards, an enthusiastic reader, and shared her husband's love of antique cars and going to baseball games. In her youth she performed as a "Trick Rider" in her father's rodeo and was an expert marksperson. After her husband Jim's retirement, they wintered in Florida, traveled, and went to a variety of car shows.

Surviving is her husband, James Bates whom she married 1969, and who had lovingly cared for her during her illness. She also leaves behind, daughter, Shanda (John) Gates and son, Clinton "Jim" (Donna) J. Shafer Jr. of Southington, daughters, Kathryn (Art) Bowker of Berea, OH, Roslyn (Ted) Hart of Columbiana, OH; stepson, James E. Bates Jr. of Akron; 2 brothers, Richard W. Losen of Lexington, KY, Michael Losen of Warren, grandchildren: Christopher, Melia, Kathryn, Sesha, Ashley, Andrea, Morgan, Deidra, Stephanie, Mark and, great-grandchildren: Alexandria, Christopher, and Scarlett

Services will be held at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, Wednesday, December 22, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Dr. Brian Bryne of the Howland Community Church officiating. Calling hours are 4:30 till 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, and one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Howland Township Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Howland Community Church, 198 Niles Cortland Rd. S.E., Warren, OH 44484. Mary Jo's family would like to thank the staff of Meadowbrook Manor, in Fowler, for their constant care, love and support they gave Mary Jo during her stay. The family would also like to thank the Cleveland Clinic for their support and care while she was there. Arrangements are entrusted to The McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.