Cynthia (Cindy) Bates, age 66, died Wednesday April 22, 2026 at home near DeSoto following an extended illness. Born in Gary, Indiana on July 10, 1959, she grew up on a farm near Hanna, Indiana and was a graduate of South Central High School in LaPorte County and Ball State University, Muncie. She worked in marketing for U.S. Steel in Chicago and was a real estate agent in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Cindy was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and 1277 HOG Group. She attended church at the TOP Kickstart and The Gathering with her husband, Bob, whom she married on January 3, 1987 in the Divine Mercy Catholic Church Paulding, Ohio. Cindy's passion was family, horse back riding and adventure. Given the choice she would go horse back riding for days into the wilderness over shopping in Chicago with the girls. Cindy loved to cook, especially desserts, many will miss her cream puffs. Cindy loved family reunions, especially when the talented family members broke out the guitars around the campfire. Cindy was diagnosed with the first of three cancers 18 years ago. That diagnosis led to her first of many motorcycle rides as navigator with her husband clocking over 75,000 miles across the country. Cindy enjoyed many Simple Man and Southern Rock cruises where, over the years, she made many friends and met many famous musicians.

Survivors include her husband of nearly 40 years, Bob Bates; son: Scott Bates (wife: Amanda), and their children: McKenzie, Brooke, Piper, and Vada; daughter: Dana Stoltzfus (husband: Sam) and her children: Bryce, Jesse, Hannah, Kyle, Navaeh, Amarah and Claire; son: Mike Bates. Also surviving are many close cousins who are more like brothers & sisters to her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard & Margaret Duke.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of her life will be held May 16th for family & friends at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, In. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 pm with a short service following.