Karen Louise Bates, 71, of Mt. Holly Springs, PA, went home to her loving Savior on Friday, August 9, 2019 at her residence. Born on July 6, 1948 in Harrisburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Elsie (Ulrich) Howe. She was the widow of Douglas J. Bates who passed in 2006. Karen was a member of the Mt. Holly Church of God. She was a loving wife to her husband Douglas. Karen was an avid reader of historical novels. She loved animals, rescuing cats, and listening to country and praise and worship music. She especially loved the Word of God and her family and grandchildren. Karen is survived by her daughters, Leah (William) Wirl of Carlisle, Beth Bates of Camp Hill, Amy Bates of Mt. Holly Springs; son, Benjamin (Judy) Bates of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren, Austin Wirl, Parker Wirl and Mia Bates; siblings, Clyde Howe, Larry Howe, Sandra Schreiber, and Cynthia Goff; many nieces and nephews, and her faithful pets, especially her puppy Carter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Darryl Howe. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle with Rev. Richard Reese officiating. A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. until the start of the service. Burial will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude at stjude.org or the Humane Society at humanesocietyhbg.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 West Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.   To sign the guestbook, please visit www.hoffmanfh.com.