Kathleen Varney Bates - Obituary

Kathleen Varney Bates passed away August 22, 2025 at the age of 82. Born in Kewanee, Illinois to Dr. Harley and Elsie Varney, Kathy was affectionally called “The Little Missionary” from an early age and devoted her life to serving those in need.

Kathy attended camp at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, where she learned the violin; she would later pay for others to attend Interlochen because she loved to support the arts and others’ love for the arts as well. Kathy attended the National Cathedral School in Washington, DC, then went on to earn a degree in sociology in Iowa. She actively endowed the National Cathedral School throughout her life. She was active in the Potapskut Sailing Association (PSA) Sailing Club in Maryland for many years with her family.

When living in Oakton, VA, she routinely volunteered for the Bethany Women’s Shelter [Bethany, Inc.] in Washington, DC., coordinating food and supplies at the Vienna Presbyterian Church and taking supplies to the shelter herself for 13 years. Upon moving to Oriental, NC, Kathy attended and was an active volunteer at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. She later co-founded Hope Clinic in Bayboro, NC, an organization that provides free medical care in Pamlico County. Many hospitals over the years received newborn hats that Kathy, a talented knitter, made and donated. Her famous hot fudge sauce was a staple at community fundraising events and was distributed generously at Christmas to family and her broad network of friends.

Kathy travelled the world and often took those she loved along with her. London, where she lived for a short time, was especially near and dear to her heart. Most recently Kathy lived at Rose Senior Living in Avon, Ohio to be near her older son, Craig. She spent the preceding six years at Cypress Glen in Greenville, NC, to be near her son Andrew, his wife Chrissie, and their daughter, Abby.

Kathy, a devoted mom and grandmother, is survived by two sons, Andrew [Chrissie] and Craig [Kim]; granddaughter, Abby; and sister, Judith (Judy). Other special family members include Karen, Bob, Keegan, Colyer and Graeme Durovich; Dana (Chip), Jennifer, and Palmer Burch.  Kathy adored her two long-time feline companions, Sport and Squirt.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Charles “Chuck” Guy Bates, brother-in-law Dana DeWitt Burch, Jr., and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Hope Clinic, PO Box 728, Bayboro, NC 28515.