Mary Sue Bates

In Waynesboro, Virginia, Mary Sue Bates was born on the 18th of May, 1946. She departed this world on the 7th of August, 2024, in Columbus, Indiana, leaving a legacy of love imprinted upon the hearts of those she did cherish. Mary's voyage through life was a testament to the bonds of family, she was the loving daughter of Basil G. and Rubye L. Harris Ritchie, both of whom preceded her death. She was united in matrimony to her beloved companion, Daniel Bates Jr., on the 15th of April, 1964, beginning a journey filled with love and laughter. From their devoted union sprung forth a family full of love and legacy: sons Ritchie G. (Cheryl) Bates of Manchester, New Hampshire, Terence D. (Paula) Bates of Henryville, Indiana, and daughter Teresa E. (Brent) McCray of Columbus, Indiana. Yet, amidst the echoes of laughter from joyous gatherings, reside also the solemn love for her three deceased children, Lyndal, Gwyndal, and Legina Bates. The branches of her family tree, flourishing with life, include her cherished grandchildren Amanda Bates, Adair Howell, Justine Raybeau, Keith Allard, Jason Bates, Chris Walker, Whitney Walker, Mara Mathis, and Jared McCray, alongside seventeen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, a living testament to her enduring love. Mary is fondly remembered by her siblings Ronnie Ritchie of Fishersville, Virginia, Peggy (Ruben) Andrew of Richmond, Virginia, and Patsy Kestner of Greensboro, North Carolina whilst cherishing the memories of the late Charles Ritchie, Betty Maul, and Barbara Brownlee, whom preceded her in death. Mary was employed at Cummins Engine Company, retiring after 30 years of service. Her soul took flight in pursuits of joy—tending to her flower gardens, delighting in the dance of hummingbirds, and basking in the mirth of Christmastime. Mary's merriment was amplified by the cherished moments spent in the company of her family, a reflection of her heart's truest desire to rejoice in every milestone and minor revelry alike. Funeral services for Mary will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. Virgil Clotfelter officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. She will be laid to rest in Garland Brook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana thru the funeral home. In her memory, let us recall the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." For Mary loved deeply, her humor and warmth lighting the very air. Her spirited nature and feisty sense of humor shall forever leave her fingerprints scattered throughout her family’s lives.