Judith Ann Bates, 77, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, May 6, 2019 at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home. Born September 3, 1941 in Fort Wayne, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Ruby (Barrand) Hill Carper. Judith was employed with the Fraternal Order of Eagles for over 13 years. Previously, she also was employed with Pepsi, Keltsch pharmacy and GTE. She is survived by her children, Robert (Becky) Wood and Amy (David) Shirely, both of Fort Wayne; 17 grandchildren, including two she raised as her own, Bobbie Sue and Stacy Wood; 21 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; brother, Mike (Dawn) Carper of Fort Wayne; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Larry Wood; companion, Jim Shaw; daughters, Sandra Fahlsing, Candra Wood, Susan Wood, and Lori Wood; foster son, Mansel Underwood; and sister, Carol White. Funeral Service is 1:00pm on Monday, May 13, 2019 at C.M. Sloan and Sons Funeral Home, 1327 N. Wells St., Fort Wayne, with calling two hours prior. Pastor Kris McPherson officiating. Burial at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. For online condolences, please visit www.sloanandsonsfuneralhome.com.
