Ronelva Ann “Ronnie” “Ann” Scates, 95, of Arnold died Oct. 22, 2026. Mrs. Scates graduated in April 1949 from Rombauer High School in Rombauer. She had been a member of First Baptist Church of Arnold since 1963. Born Feb. 28, 1931, in Oak Lawn, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Roy and Anna Corder.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years: Clifford Eugene Scates, whom she married on Aug. 19, 1949, at the First Presbyterian Church in Poplar Bluff.
She is survived by two children: Janice “Jan” (the late Hank) Varner of Keokuk, Iowa, and Cynthia “Cindy” (Terry) Livell of Arnold; six grandchildren: Earl Varner, Brent (Rita) Varner, Clinton Wooldridge, Julie (Willie) Donald, Scott Wooldridge and Jenny Wooldridge; and eight great-grandchildren: Sydney Wooldridge, Austin Wooldridge, McKenzie Hunter, Lilyann Varner, Landen Varner, Louis Varner, Gibson Donald and Gordon Donald.
She also was preceded in death by five siblings: Caroline (John) Paston, Alonzo “Lon” (Elva) Corder, Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Don) Schaer, John “Jack” Corder and Clara (John) Dunz; a son-in-law: Hank Varner; and her great-grandchild: Charlie Varner.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the First Baptist Church of Arnold, 2012 Missouri State Road, in Arnold. Visitation will resume from 10 a.m. until a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the church. Interment will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are to meet at 9:30 a.m. at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, in St. Louis County, to go in procession to the cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Eyeglass Ministry at First Baptist Church Arnold or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis South County Chapel.