Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Nancy R. Bates, 85, of Gillespie, Ill., died on April 20, 2022, at The Maples Nursing and Rehab in Springfield, Mo. She was born in Gillespie on Nov. 19, 1936, to David and Marguerite (Boyd) Smith. She married William Bates on Jan. 20, 1976, in Springfield. He preceded her in death on Dec. 31, 2011.

Nancy was a retired respiratory therapist at Gulf Coast Regional Hospital in Biloxi, Miss. She was an avid pinochle player, playing several times a week with her friends. She also enjoyed bingo.

She is survived by her children, Paulette (Brian) Mulvany of Ferguson, Mo., Mary (David)Whittington of Springfield, Mo., Gina Caccioppo (partner Thomas deLeon), of Springfield, Mo., George Caccioppo of Springfield, Mo .; sister, Dorothy Rondi of Toano, Va .; two grandsons; six granddaughters; and 10 great-grandchildren. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband and parents; brother, George Boyd Smith; and grandson, Andrew Mulvany.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 14, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 12 noon to 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service at the funeral home at 1 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to Adopt-A-Pet, P.O. Box 53, Benld, IL, 62009. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanya funeral.com.