Stephanie Lynn Bynum Bates, 40, of Abilene, Texas and former resident of Spearman, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Viewing/visitation will be on Thursday, March 16, 2023 (11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) and Friday, March 17, 2023 (9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.). Family will be available at 402 Archer St. in Spearman and at Boxwell Brothers from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Cornerstone Methodist Church in Spearman at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Hatcher of Abilene officiating. Interment will follow at the Hansford Cemetery of Spearman. Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.

Stephanie was born May 18, 1982 in Spearman, to Kurt and Lelia Bynum.  Stephanie graduated from Spearman High School.  Stephanie was a member of the 1999-2000 State Championship track team.. She entered the U.S. Army, and basic training took her to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.  After Basic Training she was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, where she was later deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan for six months as a medical laboratory Specialist-1. Her last duty assignment and major command was in the 440 ^th Medical  detail (Blood)support.

Stephanie and Kyler Bates were united in marriage on July 23, 2005, in Perryton Texas.

She was a very loving, wife , daughter and mother of two wonderful daughters.  She was totally devoted to her family and extended family. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling and cooking to Frank Sinatra music. Stephanie held multiple management positions in the nursing field and truly cared for residents and staff. She chose to step down in a VP role to be spend more time with her family and be in a teaching role with her staff. She has recently been employed at Mesa Springs Healthcare in Abilene, Texas as Director Of Nursing.

She is survived by her parents, Kurt and Lelia Bynum of Spearman,  husband, Kyler Bates, daughters, Hanna Jean Bates and Emily Jayne Bates of Abilene, TX., Brother Paul Bynum and wife Elle of Spearman, Grandmother Oneida Bynum of Spearman and extended family.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her paternal Grandfather, Joseph Bynum; and her maternal Grandmother, Alice Goodman.

In lieu of flowers an account for college expenses has been set up at First National Bank in Spearman, Texas. Checks should be made payable to Cornerstone Methodist Church for the benefit of Hanna and Emily Bates.