Emily S. Bates, age 96, Three Rivers, died Friday, December 11th, 2009 at the Riverview Manor Nursing Home in Three Rivers. She was born in Roanoke, IL on March 27, 1913, a daughter of Ludvig "Louis" and Sophie (Roehn) Noe. On August 29, 1943 she married Emery Bates. He preceded her in death December 28, 1987. Emily worked at the Kirsch Co. in Sturgis for 34 years retiring in 1978. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Constantine where she sang in the choir and had served as Vice President and Treasurer. She was also a member of the Lady Elks, Three Rivers, Barry Historical Club, Constantine, Constantine Planning & Design Steering Committee, St. Joseph County Historical Society & former member of Constantine Merchants Association. Surviving are her daughter Jeanette Thorn of Rougue River, OR, son Roger Hoyt of Wilmington, Delaware, 17 grandchildren, and many great and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Verna Wilson, son, Robert Hoyt, brothers, Ferdinand, Fred and August Noe, sisters, Lulu Smittendorf and Margaret Wall, and 3 grandchildren Relatives and friends will be received Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Eley Funeral Home in Constantine. Religious Services will be held at 11 am Friday at Messiah Lutheran Church with Reverend Dennis Smith officiating. Interment will be in the Constantine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.