On Thursday, December 22, 2022, Jeanmarie (Tina) Bates-Jiminez passed away in Susanville, CA. She was born on April 19, 1957, to Melburn and Annabelle Summers Bates in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She was an enrolled member of the Klamath Tribes and a descendant of the Tututni and Ko-Kwel coastal people. Tina attended Chiloquin’s School and was a part of the Panther’s 1975 Graduating Class. She graduated from cosmetology school in Klamath Falls, attended Lassen Community College and later graduated as a barber from Portland Beauty School.
She was employed by the Chiloquin Elementary school working with developmentally disabled students when tragedy sadly struck the evening of December 15, 1995. Tina and all 3 of her children were involved in a major vehicle accident that forever changed her life as well as the lives of all who knew her. She suffered a violent traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for a number of months but never fully recovered and required extensive care available only in skilled nursing and rehab centers. Her congenial good-natured spirit touched many hearts and her presence was and will be sorely missed.
She is survived by her daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Tristan, sons Steve and Tejun and grandsons Jayden and Jaxxton all of Coos Bay, OR. Her siblings Corrine Reed of Susanville, Ca; Sherrie (George) Benson of Old Towne, Id; Nola Christensen of Klamath Falls, OR; Charlie Bates of Dockney Flats, OR and Lisa Bates-Bellm of Chiloquin, Oregon. Many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family throughout Indian Country.
Graveside services will be held at Wilson Cemetery when the weather permits and an announcement of the services will be publicly posted. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
