Obituary of Vivian May Bates

Vivian May Bates was born into this world on July 21, 2023, at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Victoria (Porter) Bates. Although her gender was a surprise, baby Bate’s arrival was excitedly anticipated by her parents and grandparents. She seemed to have a sweet tooth as her mother craved soft serve vanilla ice cream, watermelon, and crab with garlic butter. A very active baby in utero, she calmed down and relaxed upon feeling the touch of a hand on her mother’s belly.

“Vivi”, as her parents affectionately called her, instantly charmed her family upon her arrival. A blend of both her parents, she had pouty lips, a little button nose, and her father’s ears. Vivian’s blond eyebrows were perched above the most beautiful blue eyes with hair like a little baby bird to match. Born at only four pounds, she had tiny little hands that loved to squeeze her daddy’s fingers.

A fighter, Vivi persevered through several health challenges and blessed her family with a full week to show her their affection. Her parents shared their Christian faith with her through her baptism at the hospital.

Vivian May Bates, beloved baby girl, passed away gently into the arms of Jesus on Friday; July 28, 2023. Although Vivian was with us only a short time on this Earth, she will live on in the hearts of all those that loved her. Her passing was preceded by her great grandfathers: Theodore Porter and Roger Thompson; great grandparents: Earl and Judith Bates, and a second cousin: Ryan Bates.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her parents: Jacob and Victoria Bates; her grandparents: Suzette Bates and Paul and Keri Porter; Lisa Thompson, Denise Porter, and Bill and Gail Harrison; her aunt: Elizabeth Porter; three uncles: Paul Porter, Zachary Miller, and Luke Miller; and two cousins: Iris and Santana Porter-Livingston.

Friends may gather on Sunday; August 6, 2023, from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of Vivian’s Life officiated by Pastor Nate Elarton of Compelled Church will be held at 10:00am on Monday; August 7, 2023, also at Merkle’s.  Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan for burial.

The Bates family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the support through the Faith, Hope, & Love for Vivian’s Facebook group. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.