Barbara Jo Bates

Barbara Jo Bates of Aumsville passed peacefully from this earth in the early morning hours of March 22, 2020 after a valiant multi-year battle with endometrial cancer. Barbara was born the first of seven children to Clarence and Audrey (Crabtree) Scott in Salem, Oregon on March 7, 1948.  A graduate of Central High School in Independence, Barbara married Oregon College of Education student Gary Kenton Bates of Aumsville in 1967.   Barb and Gary had four children Scott, Jennifer, John, and Rebecca, raising them on the family farm in Aumsville after Gary’s naval service in Japan and completion of his teaching degree in Monmouth.  While supporting Gary in his career as teacher and coach, Barbara worked out of the home primarily as a bookkeeper for Salem-based physicians.  Barb and Gary teamed phenomenally together in supporting their children’s endeavors at athletics, 4-H/FFA activities, school, and musical performances where they made countless cherished friendships and served as leaders within the Cascade Schools community.  A crafter, sewer-quilter and gardener by hobby, Barb shared her talents in these areas and others generously.  During her extended battle with cancer Mom was able to live independently at home in Aumsville with the support of many family and friends.  Barbara called upon her pioneering roots in this fight as a determined participant in an OHSU trial study for therapies to treat endometrial cancer.   The therapy course she diligently followed was ultimately approved this past year by the FDA and is now available to treat women across the country.   We are so proud of Barb for never giving up on this fight and for her contributions to medicine that will ultimately extend and improve the lives of other women. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Gary Bates, son Scott Bates, her parents and in-laws, brother Jim Scott and great-niece Calli Federico.  Surviving family include her children Jennifer (Colby) Molan, John (Dana) Bates, and Becky (Eric) Pineda.   Those fortunate to have called this amazing lady Grandma include Devon Christian, Jackson Christian, Garrison Christian, Ryan Bates, Alexandra Bates, and Hunter Pineda.  Sister-in-law Margaret (Don) Mulkey and surviving siblings Debi (Mike) Rackley, Steve Scott, Jeanelle Scott, Mike Scott, Lisa (Robert) Gonzalez, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families hold many fond memories of gatherings and celebrations hosted by Barbara on the family farm in Aumsville. Barbara was a loved member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Stayton which will coordinate memorial services at a time when loved ones can safely gather and celebrate a life graciously-lived.  Interment next to husband Gary, son Scott, and her parents will be at Aumsville Community Cemetery.