Irene B. Coates, age 78, of 2701 First Avenue South; Escanaba, died Wednesday June 29th, 2005 at Marquette General Hospital following a struggle with several illnesses.

Irene was born August 19th, 1926 in Portsmouth, Ohio, the only child of John and Theresa (Sly) Halley and was raised in Ohio. She married Fred A. Coates December 22, 1942 in Munising. They resided in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan while Fred ministered with the Church of God for over 30 years.

Together with her husband, she enjoyed hunting and fishing. She will be sadly missed by her family and her husband will always continue his love and respected for his wife that will be unending.

In addition to her husband, Fred, Irene Coates survivors include:

2 Sons- Fred R. (Ann) Coates of England

Derrell (“Bobbi”) Coates of Brampton

2 Daughters-Lorraine (Robert) Carter of Spring Hill, Florida

Beverly Kuzma of Boca Raton, Florida

7 grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by a grandson, Brandon Coates.

The family of Irene B. Coates will receive friends on Tuesday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Services celebrating Irene’s life will follow 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Skradski Funeral Home with Pastor Franck Scarcelli of the New Horizon Free Methodist Church officiating. Luncheon will follow services at the New Horizon Free Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the West Lakefield Cemetery; Germfask.