She was born December 31, 1915, in Sugar City, Idaho, to William and Hazel Freeman. She graduated from Madison High School in 1934. She married Daniel Hyrum Bates in Rigby on August 10, 1935. Daniel died in September, 1978. Thelma worked for Rogers Brothers and retired in 1979.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She liked to take care of her house, her garden, her family, and her flowers. She enjoyed politics, the Fourth of July, and watching the Utah Jazz. Thelma was a lady and our friend and she devoted her life to her family and you never left her home hungry; she will be missed.

Survivors include her children, Carolyn (Bill) Garner, Darlene (John) Foster, Susan (Raul) Garcia all of Idaho Falls, and Clayton (Maria) Bates of Las Vegas; Sisters, Belva Eldredge of Idaho Falls and Jean Sommers of Rigby; 21 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and sisters, her husband and two sons. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2007, at Fielding Memorial Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00pm.at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.