Ethelmae S. Bates

Ethelmae (Skiem) Bates, age 96 of Litchfield, MN, passed away on February 6, 2017, in Litchfield, MN. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2017, at 2:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Ethelmae Bates, the daughter of George and Olive (Mayoue) Skiem was born on May 9, 1920 in Litchfield, MN. She graduated from Litchfield High School in 1938 and continued her education in Minneapolis, MN, receiving her bookkeeping degree in 1940 from the Minnesota School of Business. Ethelmae worked as switchboard operator in Willmar for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, rising to the role of international operator. Thereafter, she worked at the Litchfield Public Utilities office where she met her husband to be. She was united in marriage to Charles E. Bates at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield on June 6, 1951. She became a second mother to Charlie's two teenage sons and later the marriage was blessed with one son, Richard. In 1974, after Richard's graduation, Ethelmae re-entered the workforce and worked for Bob Peifer at Central Leasing. In 1979 she and Bob co-founded NP Transportation where she used her telephone skills to broker freight across the country. Later she would spend her days at Richard's office greeting customers and answering the phone for all but the last few months of her life. She did this out of her love for staying connected to people. She never lost those telephone skills she learned as an operator. She always answered with a cheery ""Hello"" and a get-to-the-point style. Ethelmae was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Litchfield and remained a member throughout her life. She also joined the Eastern Star and the Litchfield Chapter of The Minnesota Federation of Women's Clubs and from 1970 to 1972 held the honor of serving as its State President, traveling around the U.S. representing Minnesota. The highlight of her trip to Washington D.C. was being invited to join First Lady Pat Nixon at the White House for a luncheon. Other community service included serving on the Civic Arena Commission and the Mayor's Advisory Board in Litchfield. She loved to play Bridge and taught the game to many as well. Her zest for life and genuine interest in others continued through all her years. She asked for nothing and praised everyone. On her behalf, the family thanks her caregivers who helped her throughout the final weeks of her life. This telephone operator has pulled the plug for the last time, but bells are ringing in Heaven to welcome her Home. Ethelmae is survived by her son Richard of Litchfield, stepson Bob (Gail) of Howard Lake, sister-in-law Joan (Richard) Cheney of Prior Lake, nephews Paul (Beth) Skiem of Chicago, IL and Craig (Susan) Skiem of Excelsior, MN, niece Jill (Rick) von Czoernig of Villanova, PA, grandniece Jordan and grandnephews Brandon and Zach. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, stepson Ron, her brother Harold and sister-in-law Eunice. Previous Events Visitation Friday, March 3, 2017 1:00 PM First Lutheran Church 703 South Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Friday, March 3, 2017 2:00 PM First Lutheran Church 703 South Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355