Mrs Evelyn Bate, wife of the late Mr Bill Bate, died of myocardial infarction on July 24. She was 80.

Mrs Bate, of Mulberry Court, Stockton Heath, was born in Chorley and lived in the Grappenhall and Stockton Heath areas for 74 years. She was employed as a catering assistant at Ryland Whitecross for five years, until retirement.

During the Second World War, Mrs Bate worked on munitions at Richmond's Gas Stove Company, before raising her four children.

She was very fond of reading romantic novels, and watching videos and television, particularly soap operas. Mrs Bate also enjoyed travelling to Canada with her daughter, and visiting her favourite holiday destination, Blackpool.

She derived a lot of support from, and socialised with, her immediate family, and adored being a mother and grandmother to all her grandchildren.

Mrs Bate leaves two sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A service was held on July 30 at Walton Lea, prior to cremation. The Rev Eric Rotherham officiated.

Arrangements were made by Knox & Son, of Orford Road.