Carol Ann was born on January 9, 1953 to Bruce Jorgen Ryburn Christensen and Freda Loretta June (Corn) Christensen in Thomas, OK and passed from this life on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Alliance Clinton Regional Hospital having reached the age of 65 years and 8 days.

Carol attended Custer Public School. After high school she married Robert Paul Bates, Jr. on July 31, 1971. She furthered her education at Oklahoma School of Banking and Business in Oklahoma City. In 1975 her and her husband moved back to Thomas where Robert went into the hay business with his father and brother. In 1987 she started college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor's degree in nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse until her health forced her to retire in 2013. After retiring she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and gardening. Carol was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star and the VFW Women's Auxiliary of Thomas.

Carol was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents, Bruce and June Christensen; and one brother, Larry Bruce Christensen.

Carol is survived by her husband, Robert Bates of Thomas, OK; three sons, Jason and Rena Bates of Thomas, OK, Travis and Nikki Bates of Thomas, OK and Christopher and Carissa Bates of Weatherford, OK; thirteen grandchildren, Kydelynn Laverne Bates, Kambree June Bates, Zachary Scott Bates, Kody Hunter Bates, Madison Taylor Bates, Thomas Aaron Winegar, Morgan Taylor Dusold, Blake Paul Moore, Cody Jack Bennett, Chelsea Dawn Bates, Mackenzie Lynn Bates, Chandler Allan Bates, and Peyton Keith Johnston; and eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul Christensen and his wife, Judi of Custer City, O