Photo courtesy of Eisenhour Funeral Home - Blanchard
Jan 13, 1940 - Mar 18, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Imogene was very sweet and kind to everyone. I remember Going to her house growing up and visiting and playing with all my cousins. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with our family.
Lisa Dean
March 20, 2026 | Stillwater, OK | Family
Offering our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Eisenhour Funeral Home
March 20, 2026 | Blanchard, OK
Imogene (Gannaway) Bates, 86, of Newcastle, passed away in her home on March 18, 2026. The daughter of Fred Monroe and Edna Emma (Loveless) Gannaway, Imogene was born in Oklahoma City on January 13, 1940.
Imogene attended school in Mulhall, Oklahoma and met the love of her life, Robert Thomas Bates there the year before her senior year. They were married July 18, 1957. Robert and Imogene moved to OKC in 1958 and then in 1976 they made Newcastle their home. Imogene worked for 30 plus years with Skyline Urban Ministries, an outreach ministry through the Methodist church. She retired as the Director of McKee Center. Imogene had a heart of gold and loved helping people.
Imogene enjoyed traveling with Robert to many places, but especially to Las Vegas. She liked playing the slot machines and going to casinos all over Oklahoma. She hit the jackpot at 3 different places on a trip to the Texoma area. Imogene was a huge OU football fan as well as a Thunder fan. She was a member of the Newcastle Methodist Church for many years and at the Tri-City Worship Center for the last 8-10 years. Most of all, she loved her grandkids and great grandkids. Her great grandkids fondly remember their time of coloring with GeGe.
Imogene is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jackie Wayne Gannaway and wife Leona “Toots” and Charles Thomas Gannaway; and one granddaughter-in-law, Veronica Bates.
Imogene is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert Bates; one daughter, Sherry Wilkerson and husband Craig of Newcastle; four sons, Tommy Bates, Robert Bates, Greg Bates and wife Nancy, and Terry Bates, all of Newcastle; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; and many other loved ones and friends.
Viewing will be from 12:00 -8:00 P.M., Monday, March 23, 2026, at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at The Eisenhour Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Newcastle Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard. Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.
Read More