Barbara L. Schmidt Bates departed this life on December 22, 2021. She was affectionately known to family and close friends as "Barbie".

Barbara was educated at Maryland University. She was currently working as a Unit Coordinator at Mary Washington Hospital. Barbara was a part time employee for Pegasus Cleaning and Maintenance services.

Barbara loved her life. Recently, Barbara and her husband Eric built a new home in Caroline County fulfilling one of their lifelong dreams. She enjoyed spending quality time with her beloved dogs Max and Vinnie. Both Max and Vinnie were one of the things she cherished most. Barbara adored animals and if she could've saved all the animals in the forest she would've. She also had a passion for gardening and planting flowers. Barbara had a profound effect on everyone she met and will be truly missed.

While this loss has been devastating to our family, we all share comfort in knowing that Barbara is now taking residence in her new home with the heavenly father.

She is survived by her husband, Eric V. Bates; children, Erin Bates, and Sean Bates; stepchildren, Ericka Bates, and Devin Bates; loving parents, Franklin Schmidt, and Doris Schmidt; siblings, Deborah Schmidt, Sherrie Crouse, and Beverly Schockey; father-in-law, Nilion Bates; mother-in-law, Barbara A. Bates; sister-in-law, Natasha Bates; brothers-in-law, Steven Bates and Michael Bates, Sr.; and several nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 1:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. The interment will be held privately.