BERNICE DeBATES,  age 76, of Adrian, died Monday, October 6, 2014, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage. She was born February 18, 1938, in Ellsworth, to Ben O. and Grace (Jurrens) Boomgaarden. She attended school in Ellsworth.
Bernice married Robert J. DeBates on June 18, 1955, at St. Adrian Catholic Church. After their marriage, the couple lived in Adrian. They moved to Mankato and lived there until moving back to Adrian. Bernice worked at Safeway in Adrian for over nineteen years before the company closed. She then worked at Swift, in Worthington, before working as a cook at the Adrian High School.
She was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church; and the WCCW. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, traveling and going for walks.
Bernice is survived by her husband, Robert DeBates, Adrian; three children, Sherry (Harlan) Boersma, Worthington; Terry DeBates, Owatonna; and Craig (Vickie) DeBates, Worthington; six grandchildren, Erin (Noel) Hammill, Brandi DeBates, Cory DeBates, Kyle DeBates, Amber (Josh) King & Andrew Rosales; three great grandchildren, Paige, Pierce & Cole; three sisters, Janelle Eatone, Adrian; Linda Rosenburg, Adrian; and Eunice (LeRoy) Prins, Rushmore; and a sister-in-law, Rose Boomgaarden, Brewster.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Dwayne;  and a brother, Okie.
A time of fellowship will be from 4-7 pm Wednesday, with parish prayers at 4 pm, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Adrian; and also from 9:30 to 10:15 am Thursday at St. Adrian Catholic Church. A Memoriual Mass will be 10:30 AM Thursday at St. Adrian Catholic Church, in Adrian, officiated by Fr. Andrew Beerman. Burial of cremains will be at the St. Adrian Cemetery.
To view an online obituary or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

---