Lucy L. (Bates) Bischoff

Lucy L. (Bates) Bischoff, 95, of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on March 14, 2025, at the Solomon Valley Manor, where she had been a resident for the past year. 

Lucy was born on June 26, 1929, the youngest daughter of Walter and Elva (Eaton) Bates, on the family farm northwest of Alton, Kansas, which her grandfather, Robert H. Bates, homesteaded.

Lucy grew up in Osborne County and graduated with honors from Alton High School in 1947. She earned an associate’s degree from Kansas Wesleyan in Salina, Kansas. Lucy taught third and fourth grade for six years in Alton and Dodge City, Kansas. She later moved to Kansas City and worked for Trans World Airlines (TWA) for several years. She subsequently moved to Las Vegas, Nev., and began a career in the administration department of the University Medical Center. 

Following her retirement, Lucy moved to Carlsbad, N.M., where she lived until moving to Stockton in the fall of 2017. While in Carlsbad, Lucy was an active and valued volunteer with VistaCare Hospice for 10 years. 

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

She married Harold E. Bischoff in Las Vegas, Nev., on September 14, 1974. They enjoyed 20 years together before Harold passed away on March 5, 1995. Lucy married Henry J. (Bro. Hank) Murray in Carlsbad, N.M., on October 20, 2007. Mr. Murray passed away on July 26, 2010.  

Lucy is survived by nephews, Mike (Trish) Saunders of Colorado Springs, Colo., Bob (Helena) Saunders of Stockton, Douglas (Lisa) Bates of Cheyenne, Wyo., Jason Bates of Cheyenne, Wyo., Paul Bates, and Brian Bates; nieces, Judy Pulice and Cathy (Johnny) Rodriguez of Carlsbad, N.M.; sister-in-law, Mary Bates of Cheyenne, Wyo.; stepdaughters, Claire Liebe and Eda Baker; plus numerous great-nephews, great-nieces, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Harold and Hank; three brothers, Kenneth, Max, and Jack; two sisters, Cleora Pulice and Virginia Saunders; nephews, Gary Bates and Jack Pulice; niece, Kay Tittel; and her much-loved companion, Rusty.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home in Stockton. Inurnment will follow at Grant Center Cemetery in Alton.

Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS, 67669.  

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com