Myra J. Bates

5/2/1948 - 8/17/2018

Omaha-Born May 2, 1948 to Donald S. and Marcella M. Glasgow, Myra "Jo" Bates passed away peacefully August 17, 2018 surrounded by her children. Her battle with cancer is over.

Jo enjoyed traveling, learning, reading, volunteering, and playing the clarinet, and, most importantly her family and friends.

Throughout her life she traveled extensively across the United States, every time taking the roads less traveled the scenic routes, and soaking up the local cultures and traditions. Jo made her way to Europe several times visiting Spain, Norway, Italy, France, Greece, Scotland, and England. Through her work, she got to visit China four times. With each trip she made a point to learn and experience something new.

Jo devoted her working life to education. After earning a bachelor's degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from the University of New Mexico she taught business courses at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas and at Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. By holding positions at these universities, she had and took the opportunity to continue educating herself. From her colleagues she learned all aspects of the business world, and from her students she learned of foreign cultures and practices.

For the past several years, Jo has volunteered her time and skills with AARP tax preparation and at her local polling stations during elections. Serving her community with these organizations brought her much joy.

At an early age, Jo learned to play the clarinet. She played in the marching bands of Benson High School and Hastings College. Recently she discovered and immediately joined the Prairie Rose Ensemble which allowed her to again play clarinet. With Prairie Rose she was able to perform concerts all around the Omaha area while building friendships that meant the world to her.

The most important part of Jo's life was her family and friends. Never meeting a stranger, she is survived by children Melissa DeHollander, R. Alexander Bates, and Edward L. Bates; mother Marcella M. Glasgow; brothers Gordon Glasgow and David Glasgow; grandchildren A. Scott Biegler, Alexandria C. Bates, Nathaniel R. Bates, and Hailey C. Bates; nieces Kellye Glasgow, Traci Baker, and Jessica Glasgow; nephew Daniel Glasgow; Moonlight her cat; and a host of friends.

A celebration of life, or, in her words, a going away party, will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N 108th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68164, 402-496-9000.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Prairie Rose Ensemble care of Roeder Mortuary.