Valerie Rose Bates

Valerie Rose Bates, 72, of Indian Land, died Tuesday, August 24, 2021.  She was a native of Beech Grove, Indiana where she and her husband first met in 1st grade.

She was a member of Job’s daughters, an Honored Queen, and an active member of the Order of Eastern Star.

She graduated 10th in her High School Senior class and went on to gain her Associates Degree in Chemical Technology from Purdue University in 1970.   Valerie married Greg on January 23, 1971 (celebrating 50 years of marriage earlier this year).

After college she worked as a technician for the Eli Lilly company in Indianapolis.  In 1972 through 1977 she worked as a technician for the Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. This was interrupted in 1975 by her husband’s temporary work assignment in southern California.

She was a mother to two boys and raised them in Cincinnati, Louisville as well as Collinsville, Illinois.  She was always active in her churches serving in many capacities such as Church Council, Altar Committee, Worship Committees, and actively lending a hand where needed.

She loved her crafting, quilting, cross stitching, collectables and trying out new food recipes.

She provided emotional and spiritual support to her family and many friends that were going through tough times.  She was a caring but tough, inspiring woman to many.

Valerie and Greg moved to Indian Land, SC in 2015 and joined the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.  She was preceded in death by her parents Valford and Virginia Whiteside and a brother, Valford “Rick” Whiteside, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Greg; 2 sons, Matthew (Tracy), Jason; 2 grandchildren, Alexandria, and Elizabeth.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.  Memorial donations may be made to the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Fort Mill, Epworth Children’s Home Columbia, SC, Humane Society of York Fort Mill, SC, St John United Church of Christ Collinsville, IL, Hoyleton Youth and Family Services Hoyleton, IL and the Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, NC