Lucille Bates-Wickward, Longtime Owner Of Lucille's Country Kitchen Dies At 74

Courtesy of Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home:

Lucille Bates-Wickward (nee Michel), passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 12, 2016. She was 74.

She was a lifelong resident of Stafford Township and the daughter of Amos and Violet Michel. She was a graduate of Southern Regional High School and West Jersey Nursing School, Camden. She was the owner/operator of Lucille’s Country Cooking in Warren Grove for the past 41 years. She was involved in many clubs and organizations in her life. She was also an avid Southern Regional Rams fan.

She is predeceased by her husband, James L. Bates in 1980, and her daughter Cathy Bates-Lomauro in 2009.

She is survived by her children; Diane Brown (Jim), Jeff Bates (April) and Karen Flynn (Stephen), her grandchildren; Kim, Will, Lauryn, Matt and James, her great-grandchildren; Patrick, Zoey and Jaclyn, her brothers; Donald and John Michel, her dear friend Ken Reviele of Texas, her many cousins, nieces and nephews and all her customers and employees that she called family.

Please joins us in celebrating her life beginning with viewing hours from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17 and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 18 at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial at Reevestown Cemetery, Warren Grove, NJ. In lieu of flowers Lucille has asked that donations be made to the Lucille (Michel) Bates Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Bates Family, 1496 Route 539, Warren Grove, NJ 08005.

Lucille was a loving mother, devoted grandmother, unique woman and beloved friend who touched the lives of all she came in contact with. Always quick with a laugh, smile or kiss, she was always a shoulder to lean on. As a tribute, Lucille’s Country Cooking will continue to serve in the same tradition and spirit.