Kirstin Bates

Kirstin Bates, 78, joined our Heavenly Father on March 26, 2105.  She was born Jan. 9, 1937 in Copenhagen, Denmark to the late Inga and Holger Hjortsvang. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Robert E. Bates.
    As a gifted artist, she worked as a fashion illustrator for an Austin newspaper. She resigned in order to raise her young children. She also had a passion for sewing and knitting. Once the children were grown, she opened a successful boutique in Katy featuring her own designs. Of all her accomplishments, her greatest joy was her family whom she loved dearly. She touched many lives with her gentle and loving spirit.
    Kirstin will be deeply missed by her surviving family, daughter Anette Nixon (Clyde); son Niels Bates (Debbie); brother Niels Morten Hjortsvang (Soledad); sister Susanne Karlak (Bob); grandchildren Justin Nixon (Wendy) and Christle Bradley; great-grandchildren Luke, Cade, and Kylea.
    A memorial service was held at Soul's Harbor Baptist Church, March 29 at 3 p.m.
    Services have been entrusted to Ganado Funeral Home, 800 S. Third St., Ganado, 361-771-2120.