"I worked with Bobbie & Bonnie @ VGK in the early '70s. What a wonderful person she was, always a smile and something nice to say. Everybody was younger then. From the video it looks like she had a good life. May she rest in peace."
In loving memory of
Roberta E. Bates
May 10, 1946 - August 28, 2020
Roberta E. Bates "Bobbie" (nee Imperato), age 74, on August 28, 2020, of Mt. Ephraim, after a short battle with cancer.
Devoted wife of Harry Bates Sr. for thirty-five years. Loving step-mother of Bill (Jana) Bates & Harry Bates Jr. Beloved daughter of the late Raymond & Catherine Imperato (nee Clemmer). Loving sister of Ray (Donna) Imperato, Bonnie Torpey and the late Patricia (Donald) Tillotson. Beloved sister-in-law of Robert Bates. Dearest aunt to Gerry Torpey, Jr., Michael (Annmarie) Imperato, Steve (Cara) Imperato, Stacy Torpey, Donald (Kim)Tillotson, Carol Park, Linda Riling and Donna McCormick . The best Mom-Mom to Ashton, Noah, Ryan & Logan Bates. Great aunt to Gerry Torpey, III & Addy Imperato. Also survived by April Leo Stewart (Rob), Sister-in-law Janice (Mike) Saporetti, Nieces and nephews; Mike (Amy) Saporetti, Margie (Anthony) Kells, Gina (Josh) Kirkwood, & Christina Saporetti.
Bobbie enjoyed many trips with her sister, niece, and many girlfriends throughout her life and had a fabulous eye for fashion as she was known for always being coordinated for the perfect season. Bobbie enjoyed bowling with her husband and teammates for several years. She thoroughly enjoyed country music and line dancing.
Bobbie retired as an accounting clerk at Jacobs Engineering after 45 years of service.
There will be a visitation Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.
Memorial Service 12 noon at the funeral home.
Family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bobbie's memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Tributes
"Bobbie & my mother-in-law, Ruth Saylor, were friends the 1950?s when Bobbie and family lived in Leesport, PA. The Imperatos and the Saylors remained friends even though they eventually moved a distance from each other. Bobbie, accompanied by her husband, regularly visited Ruth, to Ruth?s delight. She always looked forward to these visits; Bobbie was always upbeat, loving, and fun to talk with. It meant a lot to Ruth that, even at age 96, her lifetime friend still cared about her."
"We met Bobbie & Harry 5 yrs ago when we moved next door to them. She was nit just a neighbor she was a Friend..We miss her smile our chats over the fence. Our deepest if sympathy to the entire Bates family and a beauitful family she had..God has a Angel with him noe she suffered and now she is free..Miss yoy my FRIEND.. "
"Bobbie was more than a Sister in Law to me. I was honored to be the best man at their wedding. She was always their for me when I needed someone to talk to or even visit. Always had a stocking hanging on the fireplace for me for Christmas. She was very much family and was the best thing that happened for my brother and nephews as she help raise them. She will really be missed."
"Bobbie was one of those people who are a force, a powerhouse, an anchor. She fiercely loved Harry, the kids and her family, and it showed. She radiated compassion, a kind of "big love"" for everybody. And she showed great kindness to me in the times I was priveleged to be in her presence, mostly with Harry's brother Bob. She and Harry were always welcoming and hospitable even though I was just an acquaintance and they really made me feel special. She was truly a great lady with a big heart. I know Harry and the family will really miss her. My deep condolences to all the Bates family. With great sympathy, from Robert Lalli"
"With deepest Sympathy for your loss! We will miss Bobbie dearly! She was a wonderful person & neighbor! Love Mike & Janet"
"I work with her husband, Harry and had the wonderful blessing of meeting Bobbie a few times thru the years. She was a very special person and even when you first met her, she made you feel like you had known her for years. Rest in peace, Bobbie."
"I worked with Bobbie for several years, up until her retirement. She was always a little slice of sunshine in the day. Deja Spigner"
"Bobbie was my best friend, I will miss her and cherish all my memories that we made Toni Ruggiano "
"I was a freshman in Dougherty and Bobble was 2years ahead of me. I remember her performing in The Girls orchestra and I was very impressed. Then I met her through my cousins and she was , and continued to , amaze me with her sweet, funny ,loving caring and wonderful self. She could make anyone feel special. Rest In Peace Bobbie. Love and prayers, Pat Roussel"
"I was a freshman in Dougherty and Bobble was 2years ahead of me. I remember her performing in The Girls orchestra and I was very impressed. Then I met her through my cousins and she was , and continued to , amaze me with her sweet, funny ,loving caring and wonderful self. She could make anyone feel special. Rest In Peace Bobbie. Love and prayers, Pat Roussel"
"I am very sorry for your loss and feeling a heavy heart! Mom would tell me stories and how much she and my Dad enjoyed the many Xmas and pool parties Bobble always had.
Love to you all, Linda Riling, Jesse, CJ and Bhoomi "