Patricia "Patti" Jo Bates

The middle child of five, Patti was born in Cedar Rapids, IA on May 24, 1955, to Jerry and Clarice Shea. While Patti had many fond memories of Cedar Rapids, the Shea family moved to Madison, WI in 1963 where they would spend their formative years.

After graduating from Edgewater Highschool in 1973, Patti studied occupational therapy and moved to Council Bluffs, IA to begin her career at Jennie Edmundson Hospital where she would meet the great love of her life, Rob Bates. The two married in Omaha, NE in 1980 and went on to have two daughters, Lauren in 1985 and Melissa in 1987.

Patti continued her career in occupational therapy working with Omaha Public Schools providing therapy for students with disabilities. A true caregiver at heart, this work was extremely fulfilling for Patti. The compassion, love and patience she had for her students and their families is a theme that echoes throughout Patti’s life. Forever a humble and faithful servant.

In 1995 Patti suffered a stroke which would forever impact the trajectory of her life. She shifted from her beloved work as an OT to becoming deeply involved with the church and fellowship. Although Patti was already a Christian, she devoted her life to serving God and fully surrendering to His plan. She was an avid member of Bible Study Fellowship and gave back to her community in any possible way.

Patti found a calling that truly combined all her talents when she discovered CAbi and became a CAbi fashion stylist. This unique role as a Fashion Stylist allowed Patti to show women how to be beautiful in their own skin. She excelled at making every woman feel seen and radiant by empowering them through personal style and self-expression through fashion. Patti understood that beauty comes from within, and she would equip women by showing them how to look their best while celebrating themselves!

The CAbi community was a huge source of joy for Patti, it gave her the feminine connection where she felt loved and could return the love tenfold. She found so much joy in serving women through CAbi that she continued her work in the face of her multiple cancer diagnosis and had her last show only weeks before her passing.

In 2007 Rob and Patti relocated to Sioux Falls, SD for Rob’s new position at Avera Health. During their 14 years spent in Sioux Falls, Patti continued to grow her CAbi career and made lifelong friendships with the community of women there.

In 2012, Rob and Patti bought their “snowbird” home in Cave Creek, AZ where they spent as much time as possible during the brutal Midwest Winters. There, they became active members of Scottsdale Bible where Patti cultivated deep friendships with her Prayer Warriors - yet another community of women who were endlessly loving through her journey with cancer and supported her when her own family could not be with her. After Rob retired, they returned to Omaha in 2021 to be close to family and take on the rewarding role of Nana & Papa.

Patti's faith and grace were an inspiration to all who witnessed her walk her path. This brief glimpse into Patti's life hardly scratches the surface of who she was in her many roles and to all the people who had the pleasure of knowing her. But one thing is certain, she will be missed by many and loved for always.

Visitation - Monday, June 16th. 5pm - 7pm

~ Roeder Mortuaries - 2727 N 108th St, Omaha, NE 68164

Celebration of Life - Tuesday, June 17th, 10:30am

~ Life.Church - 20710 Gold Cir. Elkhorn, NE 68022

Patti is survived her husband, Rob Bates, daughters Lauren Bates and Melissa Hammer, son-in-law Josh Hammer, granddaughters Lyla and Josie Hammer and her siblings Steve Shea of Madison, WI, Christine Shea of Clearwater, FL, Marty Shea of Phoenix, AZ and Barb Cartwright of Kansas City, MO.