Barbara E. Bates, 82, of Van Wert passed away Friday morning at Divine Nursing Home in Rockford.

She was born on November 15, 1940, in Van Wert the daughter of the late Carl M. Sheets and Mary L. (Bebout) Sheets. On March 7, 1959, she married Thomas Eugene Bates and he also preceded her in death on September 1, 2021.

Family survivors include her three children, Timothy (Elaine) Bates of Van Wert, Jeff (Michelle) Bates of Van Wert, and Susan Kientz of Delphos; a brother, Jim (Sandy) Sheets of Van Wert; eight grandchildren, Thaddeus, Elias, Chelsea, Whitney, Samuel, Karri, J.C., and Molly; and fifteen great grandchildren, Harper, Tucker, Breckin, Brynn, Amidy, Ayden, Zayden, Journee, Jaxson, Violet, Scarlet Belle, Ellie, Mason, Aniyah, and Ariel.

Barbara was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan Allen Bates; a granddaughter, Hannah Ellen Bates; and a sister Betty Carter.

Barbara was a member of First United Methodist Church and she had worked for many years at Aeroquip Corp.

Services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 30, 2023, Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor David To officiating. There will be calling hours 3 - 6 p.m., Monday prior to the service.

Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer's Association.

Expression of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.