Linda May (Kern) Bates

Linda May (Kern) Bates died on Sunday February 20, 2022 at Butler Memorial Hospital, after a period of illness. Linda was born on October 10, 1954 in Butler, PA, the only daughter to Sara Jessie (Zurzolo) and Harry L Kern. Linda attended local schools, graduating from Butler High School in 1972; Linda followed her heart all her life, living in Georgia and Massachusetts, and later returning home to Pennsylvania. For Linda, family meant everything to her. She was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend, and confidant . Although she only physically birthed two beloved daughters, she was a second mother to many of ‘us kids’ who loved and respected her ways. She gave other women strength from truth through her own life experiences offering encouragement, love and support; she practiced reiki for healing, and offered wisdom in a way only Linda could. When her granddaughter was born, this circle deepened and her heart overflowed with love gaining her the endearing and protective nickname “Beebear.” In the summer, you’d find Linda in the sunshine, a cool iced water in hand, music flowing, and a smile on her face gardening and working in her yard. She loved plants, took great pride in her yardwork, and without exclusion-every plant she ever received she’d say “thank you ! I love these!!” She had a gift; She was a plant whisperer and she did not discriminate. Linda was a horse lover all her life. She lived to ride in her young years, held a special respect for horses, and this love endured a lifetime. She also leaves behind her faithful pups who she loved dearly; predeceased by a foster rooster who showed up and never left, the same way we were all drawn to her. Linda was last employed administratively for Rock Ann Haven in Butler, PA; prior she had worked for Stop and Shop Supermarkets in merchandising for over 10 years in Massachusetts. Linda leaves behind a brother, Kurt Kern, and a daughter Teresa Davis, both of Butler. She also leaves behind her granddaughter Victoria Davis, of Massachusetts. She was predeceased by a daughter Sara Davis who died in 2010, a brother Lehnerd Kern, and her parents Sara “Jessie” and Harry Kern. There will be a memorial service for Linda on Sunday, February 27, 2022, 1-4pm at Rock Ann Haven, 141 Greenwood Drive Butler, PA.

Linda May (Kern) Bates

October 10, 1954 - February 20, 2022