Margaret E. Coates (VanOrman)

With family by her side, Margaret Ellen Coates of Portage, Michigan, joined her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2021, at the age of 78. Margaret is survived by her husband of sixty years, John Coates, as well as her children, Lori Coates Hay (Marshall Hay), Scott Coates (Tammy), Brad Coates (Barbara), Geoff Coates, her grandchildren Casey and Taylor Coates, Cameron and A. Clarke Hay, Landon Coates, Kayden Mayfield Coates, and her brother Ernie VanOrman.

Margaret was born in Three Rivers, Michigan, on August 9, 1943, to Wilbur G. and June E. VanOrman. Following graduation from Centerville High School in 1961, she married her sweetheart, John Coates. Two years later, Margaret and John began their family, eventually settling in Schoolcraft to raise their children. After the kids had grown, she went to work for The Upjohn Company, enjoying her position as a sterile inspector, from which she retired in 1997. She will be remembered for her love and devotion to family and friends, especially her grandchildren, and will be missed beyond measure.

A celebration of Margaret's life is planned for Friday, November 26 at 1pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In memory of Margaret, donations may be made to the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre at 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007, or the SPCA of Southwest Michigan at 6955 W KL Ave, Kalamazoo, MI. An online tribute wall may be found at https://www.langelands.com