Cremation services for Lea Mariloa Penaranda Bates, 72, of Overbrook are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home, Wilson.
Lea was born December 27, 1949, at Palampon Leyte, Phillipines to the late Jerry Penaranda and Edith Mariloa Penaranda. She departed this life on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at her home.
Lea was raised at Manila, Republic of the Phillipines, where she attended Catholic school graduating from high school there. She married Ruben Bates on July 23, 1973, at San Antonio, Zambales. Ruben was a member of the U.S. Navy, which gave them residence all over the world until his discharge. Afterwards, they moved south of Wilson where they have resided happily the last 24 years.
Lea worked alongside many doctors as a certified nurses aide and lastly worked as a chef at Winstar Casino, Thackerville. She loved gambling and was an avid gardener. Lea also enjoyed getting manicures and pedicures and she adored her pets.
She was preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law, Ray and Eastleen Bates; numerous siblings; and a brother-in-law, James Bates.
Survivors include her husband, Ruben Bates of the home; son, Arawi Bates and wife Leighann of Overbrook; grandchildren, Blayden Bates and Zoe Clayburn; step-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Isaiah and Breann; two step-great-great-grandchildren, Legend and Legacy; and numerous other family and friends.
Online guest book: alexanderfuneralhome.org
Alexander Gray
This obituary included a photo of Mrs. Bates.