Marilyn A. Bates 1934-2026

She was born Feb. 9, 1934, in Fowler, the daughter of Howard and Grace Barnard Armstrong.

Marilyn was a graduate of Greene High School and was a telephone operator and office worker before becoming a homemaker.

She enjoyed her flower gardens and outdoor yardwork, bowling, going out to dinner with family and friends, cheering on the Cleveland Cavaliers and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. In her younger years, she enjoyed roller skating, attending country music concerts at the Packard Music Hall, decorating cakes and volunteering at Secrest Elementary School. She had a love for dogs, especially miniature schnauzers.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Sherri) Bates; daughters, Bobbie (Dave) Seng and Jerri (Chris) Wheat; brother, Jerald (Judy) Armstrong; and grandchildren, Jessica (Eric), Emily, Scott and Sarah.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Bates.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Crown Hill Burial Park, Vienna.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Shepherd of the Valley Liberty assisted living/memory care/long-term care and Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.

(special notice)