Something to Write Home About

These letters were written from Ivan to Elsie during his many traveling experiences. They are so tender and such a great example of love and respect. I'm sure Grandma's heart just melted when she would read things like this! I, personally, am happy to know that they had such a loving relationship, having never seen it firsthand. What a blessing.

The last two images are of a postcard he sent specifically to his children. And it's darling.

(Click on the images to enlarge them and make them legible.)

(Written in August 1954)

(Written March 1966)

(Front of postcard sent to Bates kids)

(Text written April 1957)

The Mejia Family

On Friday, July 6, 2007, Phil and Susan Bates, Ron and Betty had the opportunity to visit with the Mejias. They came to Betty's house for a light dinner and a lot of reminiscing. It has been 40 years since we first met them. In 1957, they travelled from Pueblo, Mexico with their 7 children to be sealed in the Mesa temple. The trip took 3 days by bus. They stayed in the Ivan and Elsie Bates home for 5 days, and it was a wonderful experience for our whole family. While they were here visiting their son Moroni in July, we had the blessing of meeting them again after so many years. This family has been faithful in the gospel and have reared righteous children. They are still so humble and kind, and very appreciative of our association with them. However, we received the greater blessing through knowing them.

(A more extensive history of our experiences with the Mejia family will be posted on this site shortly).

(Pictured above, left to right: Phil Bates, Sister Mejia, Brother Mejia, Ron Bates, Moroni Mejia, Betty Walker, Lourdes Mejia)
(Pictured above: Sister and Brother Mejia who came to Arizona 50 years ago to be sealed to eachother and to their children in the Mesa Temple)

Interested in a blog of your own?

If you would like to create a blog of your own to share your family memories, experiences and pictures, I am happy to help you get that started! You may email me at jennaholmes41@gmail.com and let me know what you would like to have done. This is a free service offered to promote communication and family history within the Bates family.

Much love!
Jenna (Walker) Holmes

Bates Family Reunion 2007

Thank you to all who participated in this year's Bates Family Reunion. Several people drove long distances to be here and we are grateful for every opportunity we have to be together as loved ones! A big thanks to Adriane Watson (daughter of Phil Bates) for all of the planning and organizing she did to make the reunion a great success.

New officers were elected in the meeting held after Saturday's breakfast. They are as follows:
President - Greg Suman, Assistant to President - Jarond Suman, Secretary - Bethany Epps, Treasurer - Jenna Holmes. Jenna and Bethany have come together to organize a central location for communications regarding future family reunions, Bates family memories and tributes, and pictures from both past and present. This is the Ivan & Elsie Bates family blog. If you have any suggestions, questions or comments, please email batesfamilyreunions@gmail.com. The new officers will be checking this email address and updating this blog regularly.

Below are pictures from this year's reunion. Enjoy!