Leisa Renee Bates, 65, passed away Monday, April 4, 2022, at Park View Hospital, in Pueblo, Colorado. She was the daughter of Merle Eldon and Leila Rosslyne (Taylor) Pate, and she was born December 7, 1956, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Leisa graduated high school from Palmer high in Colorado Springs and later graduated from Fort Hays State University with her Bachelor of Science. Leisa taught at Washington Elementary School in Liberal, Kansas, and then moved to Laporte, Texas, and taught at Laporte Elementary School for over ten years. Leisa’s last career was educating those who got out of prison, helping them obtain their GED. The last year of her life was spent fighting cancer. With her sons alongside her, she courageously took on all treatments so that she could remain in the lives of all her beloved family and friends.

She is survived by her two sons, Clinton Bates, and Craig Bates, both of Pueblo West, CO.; two brothers, John Pate, Katy, TX., and James “Jim” Pate and wife Joni, Jasper, TX.; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded by her parents and infant sister, Merle Lee Pate.

A memorial has been established for the Trinity Baptist Church of Hugoton. In the care of Robson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236, Hugoton, KS 67951.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 2 PM to 8 PM, at Robson Funeral Home, Hugoton.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 10:30 AM, at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Terry Miller presiding. Burial to follow at Hugoton Cemetery.

Robson Funeral Home, Hugoton is overseeing the arrangements.