Judith Marie (Goff) Bates, age 86, of Heath, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Selma Markowitz Care Center. She was born in Newark on September 1, 1939, to the late Melvin Morris and Mildred Marie (Quinn) Goff.

Judy loved her family. She enjoyed playing cards with her family, going to the casino, and being outside.

She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, George Bates; children, Pam (Mike) Hughes, Mandy (Jr) Rector, and Jennifer (Shawn) McDonald; grandchildren, Jessica (Chet) Stillion, Jackie (Ryan) Walker, Megan (John) Hatanelas, Kelsey (Ryan) Hite, Emalee (Rylee) Kelly, Austin McDonald, and Parker (Megan) McDonald; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Stephanie Goff.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Kim (Bill) Bradley.

Visitation will be held from 4-6pm Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N 21st, St. Newark, Ohio 43055. A 6pm memorial service will take place immediately following visitation, Pastor Dave Mason officiating.