Judith A. Bates, 83, of Dexter, NY, passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2026, at Samaritan Medical Center after a brief stay at Samaritan Summit Village following a fall at home.

Judith, lovingly known as Judy (or Jude), was born on March 23, 1942, in Watertown, NY, the daughter of Carlton and Lois Roof. She graduated from General Brown Central School in 1959 and went on to attend nursing school at the House of the Good Samaritan. Judy later attended Watertown School of Commerce and dedicated 29 years of service to the General Brown Central School District, retiring as secretary of Dexter Elementary in 2001.

On October 29, 1960, Judy married the love of her life, Kenneth G. Bates, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brownville, NY. Together they shared 65 years of marriage filled with love, family, and community involvement. Kenneth worked as an AI technician for Eastern Artificial Breeders for nearly 25 years and later retired in 1998 as manager of Roe Farm Service.

Judy enjoyed reading, doing crosswords, quilting, crocheting, tole painting, camping along the St. Lawrence River, and watching ships pass by with family and friends. She was a devoted supporter of her husband’s volunteer service with the Masonic Order at Dexter Masonic Lodge No. 1072.  In 2016, Judy and Kenneth were honored in Texas when Kenneth received the Order of the Purple Cross, the highest honor given by the York Rite Sovereign College of North America. Judy was also formally recognized and pinned for her unwavering encouragement and support of the Lodge and her husband’s service.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth G. Bates; three sons and their wives, Michael A. (Deanne) Bates of Butler, WI, David S. (Mary) Bates of Watertown, NY, and Steven M. (Leigh) Bates of Niskayuna, NY; and a daughter and son-in-law, Lauren A. and Jeffrey DeWitte of Deansboro, NY. She is also survived by eight cherished grandchildren—Eric, Brandon, Mason, Taylor, Brianna, Kendra, Michael, Jennifer, Maisie, and Malcolm—several great-grandchildren, and two nephews, Todd and Joel Rarick.

She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved sister, Virginia Rarick.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 9, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

Donations in Judy’s memory may be made to the Northpole Fire Company for their invaluable service in assisting Judy over the last several years or Dexter Masonic Lodge No. 1072. 

Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.