Carmen Lee Bates

Carmen “Kar” Bates (Inman), age 64, of Wyoming, MI, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025.  Kar was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She spent her career in nursing across a variety of departments, including administrative roles, laboratory work, private practice, and many years supporting the Indigenous community—work she held close to her heart.  She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of more than 31 years, Craig Bates; “Gizmo” her joined at the hip shih tzu, her beloved children, Kristine Verwoerd (Son-in-law Don Verwoerd), Chandra Childs, and Andrea Jacobs; and her sister, Sarah Smith. She was a proud grandmother to Taylor Frazee, Jae Corse, Leanne Verwoerd, Maddie Childs, and Joey Verwoerd, and a cherished great-grandmother to Lorelei Frazee, with Nora Childs expected in January. She will be deeply missed by her extended family, dear friends, in the Native American community and Elders Program she supported with such dedication.

Per her wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.