Bates

Linda May (Kern) Bates died on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, at Butler Memorial Hospital after a period of illness.

Linda was born on Oct. 10, 1954, in Butler, the only daughter to Sara Jessie (Zurzolo) and Harry L Kern.

Linda attended local schools, graduating from Butler High School in 1972. Linda followed her heart all of her life, living in Georgia and Massachusetts, and later returning home to Pennsylvania.

For Linda, family meant everything to her. She was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend and confidant. Although she only physically birthed two beloved daughters, she was a second mother to many of “us kids” who loved and respected her ways. She gave other women strength from truth through her own life experiences, offering encouragement, love and support. She practiced reiki for healing, and offered wisdom in a way only Linda could. When her granddaughter was born, this circle deepened and her heart overflowed with love, gaining her the endearing and protective nickname “Beebear.”

In the summer, you’d find Linda in the sunshine, a cool iced water in hand, music flowing, and a smile on her face gardening and working in her yard. She loved plants, took great pride in her yardwork, and without exclusion, every plant she ever received she’d say “thank you! I love these!!” She had a gift — she was a plant whisperer and she did not discriminate.

Linda was a horse lover all of her life. She lived to ride in her young years, held a special respect for horses, and this love endured a lifetime. She also leaves behind her faithful pups, whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by a foster rooster, who showed up and never left, the same way we were all drawn to her.

Linda was last employed administratively for Rock Ann Haven in Butler. Before that, she had worked for Stop and Shop Supermarkets in merchandising for over 10 years in Massachusetts.

Linda leaves behind a brother, Kurt Kern, and a daughter Teresa Davis, both of Butler.

She also leaves behind her granddaughter, Victoria Davis of Massachusetts.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sara Davis, who died in 2010; a brother, Lehnerd Kern; and her parents, Sara “Jessie” and Harry Kern.

BATES — A memorial service for Linda May (Kern) Bates, who died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Rock Ann Haven, 141 Greenwood Dr., Butler.

Arrangements are under the direction of YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, Butler.

Please visit www.youngfuneralhomes.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.