Pamela Ann Bates

Pamela Bates passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, after a brave battle with cancer. She was born on January 20, 1942 in San Diego, California, and grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from Emory University and teaching for three years, she began a career with the Defense Department in Oklahoma City. She was later transferred to the Dayton, Ohio area, and she spent the next 55 years of her life residing in Centerville, Ohio.

Pam was a gentle soul with a strong spirit of independence and was also a quiet, dependable caregiver and helper. She was an active member of Southminster Presbyterian Church and served two terms as a deacon. Pam was a member of the Centerville Historical Society and the Women’s Club. She also traveled widely. Her destinations included Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Panama, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, Greece, all of Europe, and every state in the United States. She was also an avid reader.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie Lawrence Bates and Frederick Bates. She is survived by her sisters Judy Bates Healy and Barbara Bates Wince, her niece Patricia Healy, her nephews, Will Healy and Dr. Benjamin Wince (Meredith), great nieces Kate and Aly Wince, as well as numerous cousins.

Memorial service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45459. Reverend Dr. Nancy Birdsong officiating. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Memorial gifts can be made in her honor to Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45459 or to Pink Ribbon Good, 350 Huls Dr., Clayton, Ohio 45315.

Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com