Rutland, MA - Pansay M. (Davis) Bates, 94, died on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH. Pansay was born in Waterloo, Quebec, on March 24, 1931, to parents Gerald and Marion (Draper) Davis and married George W. Bates on June 16, 1951.

In the era of party lines, Pansay started her career as a switchboard operator with Bell Telephone and the couple later bought a dairy farm in the early 60's. Farming was hard work but provided a great way of life for the large family of eight. In 1973, they sold the farm and eventually moved to Clinton, MA where Pansay took a job at Nylon Products as a machine operator. Moving to Massachusetts was good for Pansay; access to a driver's license and more opportunities allowed her to explore interests and hobbies. She loved going to ceramic classes and created many beautiful pieces for family and friends. She continued her career until her retirement with McGuiness Agency as a home health aide, a job for which she was well suited. Pansay was a caring, compassionate, and selfless woman of varied interests and talents. She loved to sew, garden, walk in the woods, go camping, play cards, and knit and spend time with family and friends. She was a loving mother, and a wonderful nana and great grandmother to her many grandchildren.

She is survived by her eight children Barbara Ann Richmond and husband Paul of Enfield, NH, Gary Bates of Mansonville, Quebec, Steven Bates, Sr. of Neptune, NJ, Susan Mikels of Winchendon, MA, Joy Keller and husband George of Rutland, MA, Todd Bates of Keene, NH, Christopher Bates of Lebanon, NH, and Steven Bates and wife Shelly of Ashburnham, MA; sister Iris Cote of Jay, VT and brother Scott Davis of Templeton, MA; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Shirley Cote, Geraldine Mathieu, Orval Davis, June MacLellan, Emily Loya, Gardner Davis, Irvine Davis , Doris Roy, and Beula Roseberry.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11 am at the Rutland Congregational Church, 264 Main Street, Rutland, MA 01543. Knight Funeral Home of White River Junction, VT has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences and messages are welcomed at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.