Greenwell Springs, Louisiana - Claudia "Merle" Bates, 90, of Greenwell Springs, LA, passed away with love on August 20th, 2026. She was born in Baton Rouge and graduated from lstrouma High School in 1954. She married Raymond "Razer" Bates, her high school sweetheart, in 1953 until his passing in 2006. Merle, as she was always called, was the talk of the neighborhood in Central. She had many friends there and will be heartfelt missed by all. Merle had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She is survived by three successful children: Linda B. Van Brunt, Terri Lynn Shields and Kevin Ray Bates; six grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge on Saturday August 29th at 2:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in her honor. Merle will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all whose life she touched!

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.