Ross Edward Bates

Former St. Joseph Charter Township Police Chief Ross E. Bates passed away at his home on November 6, 2026.

Per his request he will be cremated and a private service will be held. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Ross graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelors degree in political science and taught history for one year at Benton Harbor High School before starting his 48 year career in law enforcement. His first year he worked for Benton Harbor Police Department before joining the newly formed five-man police department in Saint Joseph Township headed by Chief Keith Mills in 1973. Ross was chief for 30 years before retiring on April 1, 2019.

His hobby was golf which he enjoyed a weekly game with his lifelong friends Bill Lechner and Roy Duffield. He was an amazing fix-it man. He had an engineering mind and could fix or create a solution for any problem.

In lieu of flowers please donate to an animal charity such as Berrien County Animal Control, SW Michigan Humane Society, Paws with a Cause or any charity of your choice.

Ross is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Diane (Zandarski) Bates, and daughter Debbie. They married on New Years Eve. He was the only child of Harry and Doris Bates, who preceded him in death.

Thank you all for your prayers and support these past 16 months. It was greatly appreciated.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.