Betty Jane Bates, 77 departed this life Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at The Laurels of Steubenville and went to be with her Lord and savior.  Betty was born November 1, 1931 in Follansbee, WV the daughter of the late Merle and Elizabeth Puzsar Humes.  Betty was married 45 years to the late Harry R. Bates, son of the late Harry G. (Nibby) and Grace Bates of Steubenville.  She was a graduate of Follansbee High School and was a majorette in the school band.  Betty and her husband lived many years in Sarasota, Florida.  After Harry’s death she returned to Ohio to live with her brother Don and his wife until her recent illness.  Betty and Harry were members  of the Sarasota Christian Church and LaBelle View Church of Christ in Steubenville, where Harry was a deacon.  Her compassion and tender heart made Betty approachable by all.  Betty was known as a devout Christian and was quick to share her faith in God with everyone she encountered in her daily life.  Betty was a homemaker and loved to cook and entertain her friends.  She was loved by everyone and enjoyed life.  Betty enjoyed traveling, western movies, music, crafts, reading her bible and taking pictures of everyone.  In addition to her husband and parents  Betty was preceded in death by her Uncle Wilbur and Aunt Mary of San Bento, Texas, nephew Gary Allen Humes, Jr. of Steubenville. She is survived by brother Donald E. (Beverly) Humes, Sr. of Steubenville; grandson Breeon Humes of Toronto, OH; dearly loved cousins Mrs. Helen (John) D’Andrea of Steubenville and Laure (Otto) Frattine of Pittsburgh, PA; her one and only niece Karen Sue (Todd) Evans of Defiance, OH; nephew Don Humes, Jr. of Defiance, OH.  Betty was a great aunt and great great aunt and had many cousins and close relative; Ella Mae (Moe) Vandruff and family of Statton, OH.  Her close friends for many years were Millie Hyde of Hopedale, OH and Millie’s daughter Chrissie Smith of Steubenville whom called Betty, “Aunt Betty”.  Other best friends were Helen Flinn, Evelyn Campbell, Mary Lewis and Muriel Frame of Sarasota Florida and others.  Friends may call at Shorac Funeral Home (formerly McClave’s), 611 N. Fourth Street, Steubenville, OH on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8p.m., where funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Monday.  Burial at Oakgrove Cemetery.Offer condolences at www.shorac.com