Loretta M. (Sweitzer) Bates, 79, of Northampton, died Thursday, June 17, 2010, after a lengthy struggle with cancer and its complications.

Born in Lancaster County, May 1, 1931, Loretta was the daughter of the late Raymond G. and Florence M. (Warfel) Sweitzer. She graduated from East Hempfield High School in Landisville. She was the wife of the Rev. Warren E. Bates. The couple celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary last October 4. In her earlier years she worked at Armstrong Cork Co. in Lancaster, and in 1996 she retired from H.A. Berkheimer Associates in Bangor as a tax consultant.

Loretta delighted in her gardening, her special Pennsylvania Dutch home cooking, and her family, who were all with her to the last. Loretta was active in all the churches served by her husband before retirement, but especially with the congregation at St. John's U.C.C. in Laurys Station where she served on the Building and Property Committee. She was fond of traveling with her husband to Florida during the winter months and to their home in Canada each summer.

Survivors: In addition to her Husband, she is survived by her Children, Thomas E. Bates and his Wife, Joy, of Slatington, Tamara S. Bates of Allentown, Tracy L. Hamsher and her Husband, Robert, of Laurys Station. She will be missed by her Grandchildren, Heather M. Harwi and her Husband, Nathan, Thomas W.E. Bates, Brandon T. Dornblaser; her Great Grandchildren, Kayla, Nicholas and Olivia. She is also survived by Siblings, Raymond W. Sweitzer and his Wife, Esther, of Elizabethtown, Jay H. Sweitzer and his Wife, Joan, Patsy J. Harple and her Husband, Jerry, both of Lancaster, Betsy Grassel and her Husband, Harold “Sonnie”, of Newport, TN.

Service: A memorial service will take place on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John's U.C.C., 1415 Rising Sun Road, Laurys Station with the Rev. Dr. James T. Gottwald officiating. A meal will follow the service in Fellowship Hall. Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday evening, June 20, at the church from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. in Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's U.C.C. Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.