Marlene Bates, 76, of Palm Coast passed away on December 5, 2013. Marlene was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She worked as a bookkeeper for newspapers. She married Robert Bates and they started their family of two sons. Marlene and Robert especially enjoyed vacationing in Maine. Marlene also loved the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Her greatest passion was her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Robert; by her sons: Robert Eugene Bates and Roy Edward Bates; her daughter in law Kimberly Gilbert Bates and by her grandchildren: Sarah Mae Bates, Justin Hill Bates, and Pierce Mitchell Bates. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast.