Sue Ellen Bates, 76, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, June 12, 2024 at her home in Fredonia, NY.

She was born in Jamestown April 15, 1948, a daughter of the late Vernon M. and Dorothy Streed Hansen. A graduate of Jamestown High School, she then received her bachelor's degree from Roanoke College.

Sue Ellen worked as a lab technician at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk for many years, retiring in 2010. She attended First United Methodist Church in Fredonia and enjoyed reading and her book club friends, gardening, and music. Sue Ellen also loved the water, both as an avid sailor and a kayaker.

Surviving are her two sisters: Mary Beth Hansen-Chorny (Mick) of Binghamton, NY and Cynthia Hansen-Barlow (Isadore); two stepsons: Craig Bates (Ruth Ellen) of New Jersey and Blair Bates (Kathy) of Michigan; nieces, Keely Knowles (Mark) of Texas, Patricia McNally (Allen) of North Carolina, and nephew, Corey Norton of North Carolina.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Chester E. Bates in 2021.

A celebration of Sue Ellen's life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, August 18, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Fredonia.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia, NY 14063.