Barbara J. Bates, 85, of Indianapolis passed away July 9, 2018. She was born May 18, 1933 in Portville, MO.

Barbara was one of incredible strength and endurance who was a very jolly person and never met a stranger. She loved sewing, dancing and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren. Barbara was a Jehovah Witness who was very strong in her faith and loved to teach people about the Bible.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Bates and son, Charles Wallace.

Barbara is survived by her children, Anthony (Dianne) Bates, Donald (Sandra) Bates and Vickie Woolery; step children, Kenny Bates, Kenny Kendrick, Ruth Ann Richardson, Valerie Emerson and Linda Bates-Duncan; grandchildren, Nene Bates, Katrina (Ernest) Forkpah, Michael (Tammy) Bates, Travis Bates, Patrick Bates, Tirrell Twyman, Terance (Kesha) Twyman, Cory Bates, Jessica Wallace and Gerald (Alisha) Wallace; great grandchildren, Nyah, Terance Jr., and Kennedy Rose and a host of other grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 13, 2018 at 11:00 am in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 S. State Rd. 135, Greenwood.