Renee Bates Obituary

L. Renee McQuaide Bates, Stoneboro, passed away Saturday evening, Oct. 26, 2024, at the Meadville Medical Center with her family by her side. She was 71. She was born in Greensburg, on Aug. 18, 1953, a daughter of the late Bernard and L. Jean (Buckley) McQuaide. On Nov. 10, 1979, she married James G. Bates, who survives. Renee spent a lifetime supporting the dairy industry, growing up on the family farm in Saltsburg, PA, and graduating from Penn State University with a degree in dairy science and a minor in journalism. Renee became the dairy editor for Pennsylvania Farmer magazine in Harrisburg and the editor for the Pennsylvania Holstein Profiles for nearly 20 years. She and her husband worked side by side on the family dairy farm in New Vernon Township, since their marriage. Locally, she would support the Mercer County Holstein Club and serve as the judge of elections for New Vernon Twp. for many years. Renee enjoyed football and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan; she enjoyed the oldies and classic rock music. In addition to her husband, Jim, she is survived by two daughters, Jessi (Ben) Willaman, Cochranton, and Brittany (Jim) McCrillis, Sharpsville; her siblings, Sheree (John) Wagner, Saltsburg, Jodee (Jim) LaCelle, Mexico, NY, Marnee (Jim) Gormley, Cochranton, and Curtis McQuaide, Saltsburg; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Jared Bates; and a sister-in-law, Amy McQuaide. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Poke Run Presbyterian Church, 1091 Poke Run Road, Apollo, PA, with Pastor Pete Goetschius officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Poke Run Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 3223 Perry Hwy., Sheakleyville, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Friday, at church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.snyderfh.com. The family has suggested that memorial tributes be made to the Yolando Barco Oncology Institute, Meadville, or the Poke Run Cemetery Fund.