Elmira “Myrt” Elizabeth Bates, age 90, of Sweet Home, passed away early Saturday morning at her home. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Ethel (Davis) Lengle.

After five adventuresome car trips back and forth from New York to California, Washington, and Oregon from 1953 to 1960, she settled with her husband, Paul, and three children in Sweet Home, where they’ve resided since November 1960.

Myrt was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Sweet Home. She belonged to the bowling team for many years and enjoyed playing cards with her pinochle club every Thursday for over 40 years.

She enjoyed crocheting and gardening and played many hours of Yahtzee with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandra (Jack) Smith of Sweet Home, Mary (Mark) Galloway of Sweet Home, Gwen (Elwyn) Riley of Maine, New York, and Ethel (Larry) Orton of Brooktondale, New York; sons, William (Sandra) Bates of Sweet Home and Ronald (Marilee) Williams of Halfway, Oregon; 26 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren.

Myrt was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Alma Bailey and Ruth Bailey; granddaughter, Collette Ann Valentine (1960); and her ex-husband and life-long friend, Paul William Bates (2006).

Viewing will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 14, at the Sweet Home Evangelical Church. Funeral Service will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 15, at Sweet Home Evangelical Church. Private burial at Gilliland Cemetery.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling services.