Ronnie William Bates

Ronnie William Bates, 64, of Sun City, AZ, formerly of Litchfield, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023, in Sun City, AZ.  He was born in Litchfield on August 23, 1958, a son of William Lee and Dorothy Mae (Tinsman) Bates. Ronnie graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1976 and attended the University of Illinois Firefighters Academy. He first worked for Schutt Manufacturing in the maintenance department. He began his firefighting career with the City of Litchfield, where he started as a volunteer firefighter for 5 years before serving as a professional firefighter from 1982 until his retirement in 2010. Ronnie was a member of the IAFF Local 3252, coached baseball, enjoyed concerts, working out at the gym, swimming, riding around on his golf cart, and enjoyed spending time with his family.  He and the former Candie K. Bond were married in 1978 and divorced in 1992. He and the former Cheri D. Walch were married in 1993 and divorced in 2009. In 2010, he and the former Deborah Hillier were married. She survives. In addition to his wife, Ronnie is survived by:

His sons, Chris Bates of Litchfield; and Trevor (Samantha) Bates of Hillsboro

His daughter, Kylie R. Bates of Litchfield

Additional daughters, Stephanie (Chuck) Balogh of Peoria, AZ, and Christina (Eddie) Eades of Waddell, AZ

His grandchildren, Katlynn Pomatto, Karson McConnell, Mason Bates and Daxton Bates

Additional grandchildren, Ashlyn Hickman, Wyatt Hickman, Samantha Dominguez, Adrian Dominguez, Holly Potter, Tyler Potter, Ethan Hauser and Chloe Hauser

Additional great-grandchildren, Braden Dominguez, Carter Dominguez, Tayla Dominguez, Tyler Potter and Clay Potter

His brothers, Michael (Barbara) Bates, Jeff (Scherrie) Bates, and Steven (Muffin) Bates, all of Litchfield.

His mother-in-law, Caroline Rincker

His brother-in-law, Ronald Hillier

In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Lee Bates, who died in Vietnam on November 24, 1968.

Memorial services for Ronnie will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield. Rev. Jon Magnuson of Beacon Church will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. 

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