Doris Rinker Robertson Bates entered into eternal rest on February 5, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.  Doris lived a full and wonderful life.   She was a loving caregiver who worked as a nurse while also raising her family.

Born on September 17, 1931 in Conicville, VA. Doris was raised on her family farm while attending a one room school house in Hudson Crossroads, VA.  She graduated from Triplett HS in Mt. Jackson, VA then proceeded to complete her nursing degree from Winchester Memorial Hospital.  Doris married Dick Robertson and they raised their five daughters in Fairfax, VA.

When she was not engaged with work and her family, she was involved in many different activities.  Doris was an active and devoted member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, VA and consistently participated in many of their ministries and programs, including serving as an Elder and a Deacon.

Doris was an outstanding volunteer for the Girl Scouts of the Nations Capital, working with many neighbors and friends to assure her 5 daughters an invaluable experience while being their GS leader for over 20 years. In her community she volunteered for Hospice of Northern Virginia, Wolf Trap Foundation, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and many other organizations.

Doris loved gardening as could be seen by the beautiful landscapes of her homes and evidenced by the many awards she received from her garden clubs.   She also enjoyed traveling, spending time visiting much of the world, and later in her life taking cruises with her second husband Bill Bates.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Edith Rinker, her brother Michael, her first husband Richard "Dick" Robertson, and her second husband William "Bill" Bates.  She is survived by her two sisters Emma Lenhoff and Mary Ellen Pryor; her five daughters Donna Imbrescia (Fran), Gayle Long, Carol Lotito (Carmen), Myra Robertson (Bob) and Ruth Robertson; seven grandchildren Rick, Eric, Alyssa, Doris, Alison, Erin, Katelyn; and nine great grandchildren.

Her interment will be held on a later date at King David Memorial Gardens in Falls Church, Virginia.  The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, or you may make a memorial gift to the following which where near and dear to Doris' heart:

Food&Friends https://foodandfriends.org or Providence Presbyterian Church, Fairfax, VA https:/ www.providencechurch.org