Laura Mae Bates

Laura Mae Williams Bates of New Concord finished her earthly life on January 21, 2026, at The Oaks at Bethesda in Zanesville.

She was born on December 5, 1933, to Evelyn Barr Williams and Elbert Seward Williams in New Concord. On June 29, 1952, she married Everett Earl (Andy) Bates who passed away in 2002. They were the parents of three sons, Randall, Jon, and Steven.

Surviving are sons, Randall (Joyce) of Yorktown, Indiana and Jon (Mary) of New Concord and daughter-in-law, Kim Bates Tarnai, widow of son Steven of Cockeysville, Maryland.

She is survived by grandchildren, Maura (Ryan) Hoff, Aaron (Logan) Bates, Emily (Matthew) Heagen, Madylin Bates and Sophia Bates. Great grandchildren are Clara Hoff, Hayden and Peyton Bates, Jameson, Graham, and Maggie Heagen. She is survived by brothers Eugene (Lina), Robert and Kenneth (Bobbie Jane) Williams and sisters Judy (Don) Boyd, Sharon Gibson and Vickie (Joe) Dillon.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Steven, in 2010, a brother, Donald Curtis, sisters in law Evelyn Bates, Dorothy Spencer, Mary Jane Williams, Mary Bates and Elizabeth Bates, brothers in law Dan Gibson, Dr. Jim Bates, Harold Elmo Bates, and Roger Bates.

She leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews as well as an extended family of friends and Hopalong Cassidy fans.

She graduated from New Concord High School and attended classes at Ohio University in Zanesville.

In 1952, she was employed at Radio Station WILE in Cambridge and worked for 42 years in radio and television. She became a well-known community advocate through her daily television show TWO ABOUT TOWN. She was actively involved in many of the Cambridge organizations including the Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival. In 1991, she undertook the promotion of William Boyd, a Cambridge native who became known as the world’s favorite cowboy, Hopalong Cassidy. She organized a fan club, newsletter, festival, and museum to honor Hoppy.

Laura has been a member of the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church for 79 years serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, Deacon and Elder. She served as Fiscal Officer of Highland Township for eight years.

Many honors were awarded to her in her lifetime of service. Among them, she received the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, was inducted into the East Muskingum Hall of Fame, was a Daily Jeffersonian Woman of the year, was presented the John Sidlo award and received numerous honors for her support of tourism in Guernsey County. In addition, she was recognized with a special Angel Award from the Senior Citizens Center. Her support of this organization was instrumental in the placement of the bronze statue of Hopalong Cassidy at that site. For her support of the world of western festivals and projects, she was recognized in 2015 with the Rex Allen Western Legends Award.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She loved having gatherings and dinners and traveling with her sisters. She was a strong booster of the activities in which her children and grandchildren participated in and proudly spoke of their achievements.

Farus Funeral Home of New Concord is entrusted with funeral arrangements. Calling hours will be on January 26, 2026, from 4 PM to 7 PM at the funeral home. Additional calling hours will be held the following day from 10 AM until time of services at 11 AM at the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Highland Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church by sending a check to 1800 Bloomfield Road, New Concord, Ohio 43762, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. If using GPS for Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, the address is 5650 Cambridge Road, New Concord, Ohio 43762.

www.farusfh.com