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BORN
1947
DIED
2025
Barbara Bates Obituary
April 11, 1947 - February 24, 2025
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Barbara Mackay Bates, age 77, of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away on February 24, 2025. Barbara was born on April 11, 1947, in Hartford, CN to Kenneth S. Mackay and Jean Boynton Mackay.
She graduated from Farmington, CN High School in 1965, then attended Colorado Women's Collage in Denver, CO, before finishing her education with a bachelor's degree from SUNY in Buffalo, NY.
Barbara married Rick Bates on June 3, 1983, in Bergan, Norway. She was very supportive of her husband's career with Mobil Oil, living in Lawrenceville, NJ, Stavanger Norway, Bergan Norway, St. John's, Newfoundland, Yardley, PA, and Dallas, TX.
Barbara was very civic-minded, and after college, was very active in the Hamburg, NY League of Women of Voters. For over 30 years while in Yardley, PA, Dallas, TX, and Hilton Head, SC, she taught English as a Second Language, always teaching the most challenging beginning classes. The students always enjoyed her unorthodox casual teaching methods. She was also an election poll worker at Moss Creek for over 20 years.
In addition to her volunteer work, Barbara was very caring and giving. She thoroughly evaluated many charities to find the best managed ones and supported about 15 charities annually.
Barbara was an avid golfer starting the game at 12 years old. She was very proud of the 2004 hole in one at Moss Creek. She enjoyed travelling to golf destinations in Ireland, Bandon Dunes, Whistling Straights, Hawaii, and Kiawah. She learned to quilt in Newfoundland and became an avid quilter for the next 35 years. She would usually spend 3-4 hours in the afternoon quilting. The quilts were all donated to charity.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Kenneth and Jean Mackay. Remaining to cherish Barbara's memory are her spouse, Richard Bates; children, Kyle Fenn (Laura) of Victor, NY, Brian Fenn of Cape Cod, MA; grandchildren, Megan Netti (Nick) of Auburn, NY, and Abby Fenn of Boston, MA; great granddaughter Paige of Auburn, NY; sisters Kim Pearson (Rob) of Hilton Head, SC, and Lynn Johnson (Phil) of Benson, VT; brothers Doug Mackay (Jane) of Havertown, PA, and Dick Mackay of Seattle, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hilton Head Volunteers in Medicine or Tunnels of Towers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Bates
5 Entries
Susan Carlson
March 2, 2025
Barb and I played a lot of fun golf together with many fun lunches afterwards, When I stopped golfing, we drifted apart. I was in Antarctica when a good mutual friend let me know. So surprising. We send best wishes to you, Rick.
Bette MacCarthy
February 28, 2025
My deepest sympathies to Barbara's entire family, especially Rich and Kyle. I was and will always feel like I was Barbara's sister in law. My heart goes out to her family for this sudden loss. Love you all.
Pam Wall
February 27, 2025
We loved Barbara at The Literacy Center where she was an excellent tutor. The students LOVED HER! She was such a fun person showing up every day to help those less fortunate than she was. I was executive director at TLC when she was there. We were so thankful for her! God Bless her and her family! Pam Wall
Nina Mascetti-Johnson
February 26, 2025
Always in our hearts... You were simply the best! Our deepest sympathies to Uncle Rick, Kyle and family. Until we meet again. Love- Nina, Mike, Isabella and Blaise
Barbara Roat
February 26, 2025
Rick,
Thinking of you at these sad times and sending my sympathies. I will always remember the great times we had. Many rounds of golf at Moss Creek, and trips to Cancun,Grand Bahamas, and Northern Michigan. I also can't forget many hours of Spite and Malice with Barb.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Your friend
Barb Roat and Julie Klein
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