Janet Clara Bates

Janet Clara (Skegrud) Bates November 22, 1936 - April 22, 2022. Janet Clara (Skegrud) Bates was born in White Earth, Minnesota, November 22, 1936, daughter of Harvey and Elfie Skegrud. She went to be with the Lord on April 22, 2022. When she was 14, her parents packed belongings into two 1948 Fords and headed West from Grand Forks, ND with Janet and her three siblings, Douglas, Robert, and Gloria. Janet graduated in 1954 from Everett High School where she met her husband, Neal Bates, and began their marriage of 69 years. Janet and Neal lived in South Everett in the home they built where they raised their three children, Jack Bates, Jeannine Bates (Gilbert), and Jodi Bates. They hosted frequent family gatherings with their six grandchildren (Jaxon Bates, Crystal (Bates) Stephens, Jordan Bates, Kelby Wagner, Floyd Wagner, and Derek Wagner) and thirteen great-grandchildren. Janet lovingly prepared delicious meals and homemade baked goods served on fine china. One of her favorite things was creating waffles her grandkids so enjoyed. Janet attended Everett Community College, studying Interior Design along with her daughter, Jeannine. Janet's lovely smile and Christian dedication made her an integral part of the Everett Nazarene Church where she was a Sunday School teacher and a leader in women's ministries all her adult life. Janet made countless friends displaying American Greetings cards around the Everett area. Janet joins in heaven her parents, Harvey and Elfie Skegrud of Mukilteo, and her son, Jack Bates of Sedro Woolley. Janet's great sense of humor and cheerful laugh will be dearly missed by everyone, especially her husband Neal. A visitation will be held at Solie Funeral Home, Friday, April 29, 2022, from 2-6 pm. Janet's memorial service will take place at Everett First Church of the Nazarene at 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2022, with a reception to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Solie Funeral Home, Everett, WA.