Alta Bates, age 97 of Rochester, Minn., and formerly of Harmony, Minn., died on Monday, January 26, 2026, at her home in Rochester, Minn.
Alta Mae Walker was born on November 13, 1928, in Appleton City, Mo., to Clarence and Elsie Walker. She graduated from high school in Lincoln, Mo., in 1948, then moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she attended secretarial school. She also worked in Kansas City as a keypunch operator at the American Hereford Cattle Association, registering purebred Hereford cattle.
In 1949, she met her future husband, Manville “Manny” Bates. She noticed him on the bus on her way to work. She later saw him in church as she was singing in the choir. After church, she invited him to a youth meeting. For their first date, they walked to a movie theater as neither had a car. The couple was married on May 20, 1950, in Anderson, Mo., by her father, who was a Methodist minister.
Soon after their marriage, the couple moved to Harmony, Minn., and had a two-bedroom home built on the south end of Main Street. A few years later, they moved to an 80-acre farm west of Harmony. In addition to raising four boys on the farm, they also raised Polled Shorthorn cattle, and Alta tended to her large flower garden which included a wide variety of hostas. They were active members of the Harmony United Methodist church, where Alta sang in the choir.
Alta was an excellent seamstress. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and numerous crafts. After retirement, Manny and Alta bought a fifth-wheel camping trailer and enjoyed traveling and camping with friends. They also enjoyed 27 winters in Arizona.
Alta is survived by four sons: Brad (Cindy) Bates of Rochester, Minn., Darrell (Deb) Bates of Winona, Minn., Allen (Sheila) Bates of New Meadows, Idaho, and Randy (Shari) Bates of Chatfield, Minn: 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren (one more coming soon), and one sister, Mary Casada of Joplin, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her husband Manville, and three siblings: Leota Palenik, Jean Quilicy and Nadine Tracy.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 7 at 1 p.m. in the Homestead at Rochester Senior Living Center 1900 Ballington Blvd NW, Rochester, Minn.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bates family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Sydne Hoiness says
So sorry to hear of Alta’s passing…When Bob and I moved to Harmony in 2010, she was so welcoming and gracious…She also started me on my journey to loving Hostas! She was an incredibly nice and welcoming person!
Lana "Finke" Kruse says
I remember Alta from the 500 club that she and Manny attended with my parents. As I was the youngest of my family i got to attend multiple Saturday evenings for card club. I still have the doll she made me. I have it sitting in my bedroom and remember her fondly.. She will be missed and remembered with great affection.
Merri Vitse says
Bob and I are at Kathi’s home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. We are all sorry to hear of Alta’s passing. We have shared many memories with Manny, Alta and the boys when living in Harmony. Our hearts go out with sympathy to the family in the loss of their mother.
Don & Sylvia Brink says
Sorry to hear of Alta’ passing. We have fond memories from our years at Harmony UMC.
Our condolences to the family.