Wilma Bates Obituary

Wilma Bates passed away on January 17, 2026,at age 93. She was born at home in the Cub Creek area of Nebraska in 1932 to Caroline (Holz) and Edward John Hinz. She grew up on a farm during the Great Depression with her siblings Leroy, Loretta, and Raymond. She attended District 4, Plainview School, from first through eighth grade.

Wilma graduated from Plymouth HS in 1950. She moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, and then moved to Colorado Springs. There, Wilma was employed at the famous Broadmoor Hotel. As a greeter at the Hotel, Wilma saw many famous people come and go through the hotel's doors.

Wilma met George Shephard at a USO dance in Colorado Springs. George was in the US Air Force and stationed in Colorado Springs. The couple courted and were married on April 5, 1953, in Plymouth, Nebraska, in her childhood church.

George and Wilma started a family right after their marriage. She gave birth to twin boys, Donald and Ronald Shephard, in 1954. Due to their premature birth, both infants passed away. Other children joined the family: Cyndy Mae, Laura Lynn, and Carol Ann.

Wilma loved being a mother and was an attentive and loving parent, always caring and teaching her children. She led by example, teaching her children how to "love thy neighbor" and to "love the Lord".

Wilma and George ran a cattle ranch in Golden Gate Canyon, in Jefferson County, Colorado.

Wilma was employed at a title company in Lakewood for many years.

In 1973, the family moved to Center, Colorado. Here, George and Wilma ran a larger cattle ranch. Wilma also worked for various companies, with her last employment at the Center Potato Co-op as an administrator.

Wilma moved back to Golden, Colorado, after she retired. She was an active member of the Golden ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She also volunteered with various organizations, including the Golden Visitor Center, for several years.

Wilma loved dancing and traveling. Her travels took her from Hawaii to Alaska, and Mexico to Canada. She was also an active square dancer. She danced at more than one square dancing hall. She was also an avid bowler.

She stayed close to her extended family and frequently visited them. Wilma was a warm and generous person who loved her family and her independence. She enjoyed country music and added pepper to almost everything she ate. Wilma outlived three husbands: George Shephard, George Bishop, and Harold James (Jim) Bates.

Wilma was predeceased by her husbands, two siblings, her infant sons, and her grandson, Keith Stoeber.

She is survived by her brother Raymond Hinz, sister-in-law Bonnie Hinz, daughters Cyndy McDonald, Laura Brown, and Carol Stoeber, son-in-law Gary Stoeber, grandchildren Nicola Wissler, Rachel McDonald, Lyndy Barnard, Russell McDonald, Kathryn Harer, Kristal Reid, Brandon Stoeber, and Courtney White, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Wilma Hinz Shephard Bishop Bates left a legacy of unconditional love, ultimate caring, ferocious loyalty, and a vibrant love of life. She embraced friends and neighbors as family. She had deep faith in God and lived by Christian principles of love and forgiveness. Her smile and love were infectious. Her hugs, sense of humour, and thoughtfulness will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Wilma Bates in 2026, tentatively in spring 2026).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wilma Bate's name to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialmenu, or any organization that serves cancer patients or families in need.