SWEET SPRINGS, WV --- Grace Virginia Craig Bates, 92, of Sweet Springs, WV, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2022 at the White Sulphur Springs Center in White Sulphur Springs, WV. Born September 10, 1930 in Covington, VA, she was the daughter of the late Edward Hamilton Craig and Odessa M. Baker Craig. Her mother died when she was 18 months old and was raised by her beloved grandmother, Almedie Allen Craig of Sweet Springs, WV. She was married to William "Willie" Thomas Bates, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Herbert Spencer Craig and her sisters, Viloa Craig Link and Meta Craig McGuire, and her niece, Diane M. Mitchell. She is survived by her nephew, Danny C. McGuire and wife Connie of Goodview, VA and a great niece and two nephews, and her dear and loving friends, Albert and Margaret Orth of Hartly, Delaware. Grace had worked at the Andrew S. Rowan Home at Sweet Springs, WV and the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, WV. She was a gifted seamstress and she enjoyed gardening and her beautiful flowers. Most of all, she loved the Lord with all her heart. Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the Mountain View Cemetery at Sweet Springs, WV, with Pastor Larry Atkins officiating. Those planning on attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to send the family online condolences or would like to sign the online guestbook, please do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home in Union, WV.