Carol “Joan” Bates

Carol “Joan” Bates, age 77, of Delaware Ohio died on October 3, 2024 following an extended battle with dementia.  She was surrounded by her family during her final days and at the time of her death.  Joan is preceded in death by her parents Woodrow and Belle Boyd (Ramsey) of Caldwell, Ohio and parents-in-law, Donald and Velta Bates, also of Caldwell, Ohio.

Joan is survived by the love of her life and husband of 57 years, Danny Bates.  They were high school sweethearts and best friends.  Together, they built a beautiful life and family. Joan is also survived by her daughters, Heather (Dwayne) Brown and Heidi (Rob) Block; her brother Bill (Donna Boyd), sisters-in-law, Dolly (the late Richard) Clark, Diane (Bruce) Kolopajlo, and brother-in-law Doug (Dreama) Bates.  She leaves behind her treasured grandsons, Derek (Toni) Brown, Kamron Block, Carson Brown, and Kyler Block, as well as her six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Joan was a 1965 graduate of Caldwell High School. She worked full-time while her husband completed college and then she was a homemaker for many years while raising her daughters. She began working at the Hilliard Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library once her girls were in high school. Joan was an avid reader and always had a book in her hands so working at the library was the perfect fit.  She later retired 2007, but never retired her love of reading.

Joan’s family meant everything to her and she was always there to support them in every way.  She shared a love of shopping and decorating with her daughter Heather, and a love of baking and basketball with her daughter Heidi.  Joan and Danny filled their empty nest years with square dancing, traveling throughout the United States, going on cruises, and following Buckeye sports, especially men’s basketball.  Joan’s most loved hobby was her grandsons.  She loved attending all of their school events and especially their sporting events where she could be heard cheering or maybe even yelling at the referees.  She enjoyed making or buying them things (another reason to shop) and she loved going on excursions with them or taking them on trips.  They meant the world to her, and she was so proud of each of them.

A Memorial Gathering with no service will take place on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Drive, Delaware, Ohio 43015.  Please visit www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com to leave an online condolence.