XENIA - Audrey Cleo Bates (Bird), age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday October 1st, 2015 at 4 AM with her children by her side. She was born on September 30th, 1931. Audrey was preceeded in death by her parents, Ira and Maybelle Bird, her husband Frederick Bates, as well as 5 brothers and 7 sisters. Survived by her brother Ronald Bird ( Janet ) and sister Donna Hill. Audrey was married to Fred on July 23, 1948. They had 7 children together. Sons: Samuel ( Sandie ), Daniel, Dale ( Courtney ), Stephen and Joseph ( Christina ). Daughters: Judy Willis ( Mike ) and Gail Eckstein. They had 12 grand children and 10 great-grand children. Fred and Audrey were happily married for 60 yrs. Audrey was born and raised in Markleysburg, PA and later lived in Xenia and Miamisburg, OH. Audrey was an avid Bible reader and her passion was to share Bible truths with others. She was baptized in 1948. She cherished serving as a pioneer in her congregation and developed many fond memories as well as close friendships as a result. Audrey was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a faithful and loyal servant of her God Jehovah. She loved being with her family and was especially happy when she was in the company of her grand children and great-grand children. Audrey enjoyed being a homemaker. She took delight in cooking, gardening, and home decorating. She had a strong work ethic. While growing up on a small farm she was described by her mother as "being her right hand". Memorial services will be held on Sunday October 11th at 5:30 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2748 Pennyroyal Rd Miamisburg, Ohio. Brother Greg Parsons will be giving the memorial talk. Final arrangements will be made by the Sanner Funeral Home in West Carrollton.