Joanne B. Bates (nee Blackburn)

Joanne B. Bates (nee Blackburn), formerly of Madison, Ohio, passed away peacefully in Naples, Florida on October 25, 2025. She was 92. Joanne was born on August 13, 1933, in Yonkers, NY, the daughter of Wendell G. and Eva Blackburn. She married Dick Bates on July 19, 1956.

Joanne is survived by her daughter Karen Jo (Bates) Sippola of Big Canoe, GA, her son William Delos Bates (wife, Christy Bates) of Vista, CA, her sister Patricia Slaman of Medina, OH, and her beloved grandchildren: Quinn Richard Sippola (24), Kirtland (Kirt) Bates Sippola (22), and Matthew William Bates (21).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard O. Bates (Dick), who passed away in 1993.

Joanne’s family moved to Madison, Ohio when Jo was 10 years old. She graduated from Madison High School then attained her B.A. degree in psychology from Miami University in Ohio. She worked for General Electric in Cleveland, and eventually became a realtor with Wyman and Associates in Madison. She later became the owner and head of Midland Title of Ashtabula County in Jefferson. She was an active member and supporter of many organizations, including the East End and Lake County YMCAs, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and the Western Reserve Junior Service League.

Other passions included sewing for her children, working in business, teaching aerobics at the Y, and travelling with her husband and friends. She took up ballroom dancing in 1995 and danced up until her death.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Joanne on Saturday, March 28 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Vincent William Wine, 1300 Belleair Avenue, Madison, OH 44057.

Joanne’s final resting place is at Fairview Cemetery in Madison next to her husband, Richard. The Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Online obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com