Frances M. Rates, age 77, of 415 South 4th Street (Fairview Manor), Gladstone, MI passed away Thursday morning May 5, 2005 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a brief illness.

Frances was born March 14, 1928 in Rydal Bank, Ontario, Canada the daughter of William and Mary (Murray) Matheson. She was raised in Canada and married Charles William Rates on August 18, 1947 in Sault Ste Marie, MI. They made their home in Sault Ste Marie until they relocated to Walled Lake, MI. While in Walled Lake Frances worked for Mills Products in Livonia. In 1970 they moved to Brimley, MI where they owned and operated the Brimley Corner Store.

Following the death of her husband Charles on December 6, 1981 she resided in Alaska until 1998 when she moved to Escanaba. For the past two years she has resided at Fairview Manor in Gladstone. Frances was Lutheran by faith and she was a Foster Grandparent volunteer at Bay-Pines in Escanaba. She was very active at Fairview Manor and made many birthday cakes for the residents. She enjoyed baking, sewing, playing bingo and going to the casino, but most of all she enjoyed being a mother and grandmother.

Survivors include:

3 Sons: Bill Rates of Florida; Doug Rates of Bagley, MI; Terry (Dadie) Rates of Anchor Point, Alaska

1 Daughter: Cheryl Rates of Escanaba, MI

1 Sister: Shirley (Bob) Buchanon of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

9 Grandchildren; 7 Great grandchildren; Numerous nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by a brother Elmer Matheson.

Frances's family will receive friends on Monday from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Frances M. Rates will follow at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Ron Romps leading the service. Luncheon will follow services at the Fairview Manor in Gladstone.