Willnetta Ruth Coates

Willnetta Ruth Hutcherson was born on April 12, 1921, to Marion and Vera Osborne.  She passed away on September 16, 2017 at the age of 96, in Owenton, Kentucky, where she resided.  Willnetta attended Williamstown schools for 12 years, graduating in 1938.  She was a graduate of Cumberland Jr. College, class of 1941.  After graduation, she worked for Central Bank in Cincinnati, Ohio until 1943, when she joined the Navy as a Wave.  She served for 2 ½ years, and was discharged on December 25, 1945.  She married Herschel B Coates on December 25, 1946.  After having three boys, David, Bob, and Bruce, she went back to work for the State of Kentucky Parks department, and First Farmers Bank, from which she retired in 1986, as Vice President. Willnetta was very active at First Christian Church in Owenton, serving as Trustee, previous Board member, and Past President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship.  She was also active in the Owen County Women’s Club, as a past President.  In 1990, the Women’s Club enrolled her, as a veteran, in the new Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC, and is a charter member. Willnetta is survived by two sons, David C Coates (Sara), and Robert K Coates, daughter-in-law Connie Coates, nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and a niece, Marilyn Howard, and two nephews, Gary Toole and Gene Toole.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Herschel B Coates, son Bruce B Coates, sister Juanita Toole, and nephew James Toole.McDonald & New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.  Family will receive friends at the Seminary Street location on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from 5 - 8 pm.  Funeral services will be held at 11am at First Christian Church.  Burial will be in the Owenton Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to to Owenton First Christian Church or the Owen County Public Library.