Livia "Suzette" Bates-Leal
June 3, 1963 — May 28, 2023
Livia “Suzette” Bates-Leal was born to Winston and Jessie (Caldwell) Bates on June 3, 1963 Springfield, MO. She had two siblings, Winston Jr. Bates and Greg Bates.
After moving to Harlan in 1980, she met and married Jose Leal. She worked as a waitress for several years before becoming employed by West Central Development Corporations Head Start program. Suzette had a passion for children and those whom she felt were underprivileged or under-served. She held many positions throughout her career with Head Start and always advocated its mission. Suzette as a high school graduate and was also awarded an Associate of Science from Iowa Western.
Suzette was a loving and attentive mother and grandmother. Her favorite activities were those that involved quality time and making memories with those she loved. She also had a passion for Kansas City Chiefs football and the Chicago Bulls basketball team, along with many crafting projects of all kinds.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jose Leal; father, Winston Berry Bates; brothers, Winston Berry Bates Jr. And Gregory Allan Bates.
She is survived by her sons Shawn (Melinda) and Joseph (Jade) of Harlan, IA; 7 grandchildren; mother, Jessie Bates of Irwin, IA; niece, Jessica (Bates) Anderson of Harlan, IA; many other family members and close friends.
After moving to Harlan in 1980, she met and married Jose Leal. She worked as a waitress for several years before becoming employed by West Central Development Corporations Head Start program. Suzette had a passion for children and those whom she felt were underprivileged or under-served. She held many positions throughout her career with Head Start and always advocated its mission. Suzette as a high school graduate and was also awarded an Associate of Science from Iowa Western.
Suzette was a loving and attentive mother and grandmother. Her favorite activities were those that involved quality time and making memories with those she loved. She also had a passion for Kansas City Chiefs football and the Chicago Bulls basketball team, along with many crafting projects of all kinds.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jose Leal; father, Winston Berry Bates; brothers, Winston Berry Bates Jr. And Gregory Allan Bates.
She is survived by her sons Shawn (Melinda) and Joseph (Jade) of Harlan, IA; 7 grandchildren; mother, Jessie Bates of Irwin, IA; niece, Jessica (Bates) Anderson of Harlan, IA; many other family members and close friends.
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