DOVER - Joan Veronica Bates, of Dover (Leipsic), died Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, at home. She was 73. Mrs. Bates was born March 28, 1938, in Milmont Park, Pa., to the late James J. Maguire and Margaret Kearns Maguire. Mrs. Bates had worked as a nurse's aide for many years. She enjoyed being with her family, friends and doing arts & crafts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Bates Jr, 1999; sons, Harry A. Bates, 1974, and Charles E. Bates, 2008; and a sister, Janet Edmiston. She is survived by son, Philip Bates III of Hillsboro, Ore.; daughters, Valory Seager and her husband Jerry of Leipsic, Patricia Kowalski and her husband Robert of New Castle, Deborah Springer and husband James of New Castle, and Susan Reuben and her husband David of Felton; sisters, Sister Maureen Maguire and Sister Dennis Maguire, both of Trenton, N.J.; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be noon, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford Street, Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be in the Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.