Agnes M. Crates, 102, died on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, at 8:51 a.m. at Vancrest of Ada.
           
She was born on Sept. 26, 1913, in Forest, Ohio, to Henry and Lola (Brown) Buess who preceded her in death. On Sept. 10, 1930, she married Ralph B. Crates who preceded her in death on March 19, 1948.
           
Agnes retired from the Village of Ada Water Department and she was the first policewoman of the city. She was a member of the Grace Gospel Church of Ada.

Agnes was the 2013 Ada Citizen of the Year. She had a Good News Club in her home that led many children to the Lord. She and her siblings lived for two years at the Pythian Childrens Home in Springfield after their mother died.
           
Agnes was a great cook, loved her flowers, and was an avid reader of the Bible. She was known for her powerful prayers, memorized scriptures, as well as her favorite inspirational poems. She attended the Hardin County Senior Citizens Center for many years and was often a top Wii bowler there.

Agnes was an extremely independent soul who refused to give in to macular disease as it diminished her sight. She lived in her own home until May of this year. She had a joy for life that was expressed in her excitement for any visiting friends and family. She lovingly crocheted afghan’s for family and friends to celebrate special life events.
           
She is survived by her two children: Gerald “Jerry” Crates of Lima and Sara Sue “Suzie” (David) Sutherland of Kenton; a daughter-in-law, Faye Crates of California; nine grandchildren and eight step grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren and 29 great-great grandchildren.
 
Agnes was preceded in death by a son, James Crates; a daughter-in-law, Florence Crates; and nine brothers and sisters.
           
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 11, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada with Pastor Trent Boedicker officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada.
           
Friends may call from  4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10,  at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada and until time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.
 
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Grace Gospel Church at 321 N. Gilbert Street, Ada, Ohio 45810 and/or Hardin County Council on Aging at 100 Memorial Avenue, Kenton, Ohio 43326.