DENMARK, SC — Carolyn Joan Sprinkle Coates, 79, of Denmark, SC, formerly of Hessville, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009.

Born in 1930 in the Decker Chapel-area, she was the daughter of Azzie and Rachael Thorne Sprinkle.

She graduated from Mt. Olympus High School in 1947.

She was a resident of the Calumet-area until 2006 when she moved to be near her family.

She retired after 25 years from the School City of Hammond, working as a cook at Orchard Drive School.

Survivors include daughter, Polly Sue (Mark) West of Denmark, SC., sons, Charlie B. (Graceanne) Coates of Hammond, Dennis A. (Donna) Coates of Edmond, Okla.; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 51 years, Bobby D. Coates; one brother; and two sisters.

Funeral services are Monday, Aug. 10, 2009 at Bocken Funeral Home, 7042 Kennedy Ave., Hammond (Hessville), with Pastor Jeffery Hannon officiating. Burial will be in Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.