Sandra Marie Bates passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 78.  She was born on Monday, April 5, 1943 in Independence, Louisiana to the late Viola Trosclair Bowman Berner and the late Albert "Ted" Bowman.  She was a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles Bates; children, Carla B. Drury (Steve), William "Billy" Bates, Dawn B. Graves (Mike), and Charles J. "Chucky" Bates (Mara); grandchildren, Heather Perrin, Kacie Burkhalter, Tyler Bates, Colin Bates, Reagan Miller, Jenna Graves, and Kristen Graves; sister, Rita Wall; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Sandra was also preceded in death by her brother, Albert "Ted" Bowman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, 100 W. Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454, on Monday, September 13, 2021 beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service begins at  1:00 PM.  

Interment will follow in Wetmore Cemetery, Ponchatoula, Louisiana.