Laura Marie Bates

Laura Marie Bates, age 62, of Centerville, IA, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones under the care of EveryStep Hospice. Laura was born on October 6, 1960, in Waterloo, IA, to James Joseph and Joan Marie (Wisecup) Ahrens. Laura met John William Bates in 1987 in Des Moines, IA, and they were united in marriage on October 12, 1990. Laura was legally blind, however with the medical advancement over the years, she was able to have a Boston-K procedure completed on her right eye in 2011. This procedure allowed Laura to see, and she was thrilled with the outcome. She enjoyed seeing the flowers with all their colors, and animals. Laura would watch animal shows for hours. Laura enjoyed providing voluntary community service with her friends. Laura enjoyed the food business and worked for a food vending company until she was given the opportunity to have her own cafeteria business. This opportunity was offered through the Iowa Department of the Blind Business Enterprise Program. Laura was awarded the contract for the cafeteria located in the Grimes State Office Building on Capitol Hill. Laura did such a great job with the cafeteria in the Grimes State Office Building, she was awarded the contract for the cafeteria located in the Lucas State Office Building when the operator for the Lucas State Office Building retired. Laura operated both cafeterias until she became pregnant with Abigail. Laura decided to give up the cafeterias to be a stay-at-home mom, and moved to Mystic, IA with John. Abigail was born on March 28, 1994 in Centerville, IA, and so began the next journey of her life. When Abigail reached school age, Laura and John decided to home school Abigail, of course Laura was going to be the actual home schoolteacher. Unfortunately, Laura’s eyes were getting worse, so Abigail had to go to public school for her education. Laura had done such a good job home schooling Abigail, Abigail was in 3rd or 4th grade and tested at a reading level of 11 to 12th grade. Laura’s great job of home schooling showed up again when Abigail was Valedictorian at Moravia High School when she graduated. Laura was always up to a challenge and wanted to be as independent as possible and lived life to its fullest. She always was wanting to be outside doing things even though it wasn’t always safe for her to be doing some of her chosen activities. When she was on vacation out west with the family, she climbed to the top of a mountain with some assistance (she only accepted the assistance when she absolutely had to have it). Laura was a very kind person and would do whatever she could to help you. She was in downtown Des Moines, IA and was approached by a homeless person wanting some food, so she got out the lunch she had made for her and gave the homeless person a sandwich. There was something about her that attracted people to her like a magnet. People that didn’t even know her would just come up and start carrying on a conversation with her like they had known her forever. Laura is survived by her husband John W. Bates and her two children. Beau Sebastian Borton, her son from her first marriage, and Abigail Marie Bohle (Bates), her daughter she had with John. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Joan Ahrens and a sister, Judy Ahrens. Per Laura’s wishes, her body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cards of condolences can be mailed to the Laura Bates family c/o Tharp Funeral Home, 116 Benton Ave. West, Albia, IA 52531.

Laura Marie Bates

October 6, 1960 - May 9, 2023