Judith Bates

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Judith “Judy” Hamlin Bates of Santa Fe, New Mexico at the age of 84.

Born in Coffeyville, Kansas to Allen and Christine (Walton) Hamlin. She grew up in Coffeyville and attended Field Kindley High School. She later lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Virginia, and California before moving to Santa Fe in the early 1990’s. Academically she received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Oklahoma, was a Professor of Geography at Arkansas State University, and was a 50 year Honorary Lifetime member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was a long time member the Christian Science Church which played a significant role throughout her life whether it was volunteering at the Reading Room or other activities associated with the church. Wherever she lived one of her favorite activities was volunteering for local organizations and charities. This was especially true where it involved reading advocacy or being a mentor for teenagers and young adults. She was also a lifelong member of the Alpha Phi Sorority beginning with her days at OU. At home she was an avid reader who also loved playing games with her friends. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining and later in life she and her husband both enjoyed cruising to many different parts of the world.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years Richard Bates and her children Mike (Jennifer) Bates of Princeton, Texas, and Beth (Bates) Winstanley of Sterling, Virginia. She is also survived by granddaughters Carrie (Thomas) DePiazza of Princeton, Texas, Jenna (Mike) Dries of Charlotte, North Carolina, great granddaughters Addison and Jaycee, and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held April 12th, 2025, at 2PM at Rivera Funeral Home, located at 417 Rodeo Rd in Santa Fe, NM.