Laura Mae (Saling) Bates, 91, of Toronto, OH, passed away on Monday June 1, 2026, at Lancia’s Villa Vista in Steubenville, OH.

Laura Mae was born on Nov. 27, 1934, in E. Liverpool, OH, daughter of the late Gerald and Laura (Amen) Bishop.

Laura Mae was a homemaker who kept busy raising her kids. She was a life member of the VFW Ladies Aux, where she held many offices, Toronto American Legion Post #86 Ladies Aux and the Toronto Eagles #1286, where she was always volunteering at all three.

In addition to her parents, Laura Mae was preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Clarence ‘Benny’ Bates, who passed away in 2015; her son Scott Bates; stepsons David L. Bates; grandmother, Nora Amen; infant great-granddaughter, Isabella Hill; sister, Carol Tanner and brothers, Larry and Edward Bishop.

She leaves behind her children, Kathy (Jim) Smith of Toronto, Pam (Jeff) Liddick of Alta Vista, KS, Nora (Bob) Holmes, Jake Bates and Angel, Bruce Bates, Joann (Dewey) Westbrook, Margaret Bates all of Toronto; stepson, Darrell (Brenda) Bates of Orlando, FL; brother, Dick Bishop of Wichita, KS; 28 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson.

Laura Mae’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be a graveside service at Island Creek Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Benny. Arrangements for Laura Mae are in the care of J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto, OH.