Mary Louise Bates

Gainesville, MO

Mary Louise Bates, 54, of Gainesville, MO passed to heaven on September 22, 2011 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, AR. Mary was a lifelong resident of Gainesville. She was born on April 10, 1957 at Dr. Herman's office, just off the square, in what is now the Ozark County Health Center. She was one of nine children born to Efton and Juanita (Murrill) Friend.

Mary and Dave Bates were united in marriage on January 31, 1980 in Mountain Home, AR and to this union three children were born. Mary was a homemaker and a very loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was also a special "step mom" to Lisa's friends. Mary was a soft spoken and kind hearted person who was dearly loved by everyone. She was a Christian and attended the Brushy Knob Church.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Efton and Juanita Friend; one son Robbie; one sister Eva; and one brother Lawrence. She is survived by her husband Dave Bates of the home in Gainesville, MO; one daughter Lisa Fuertes of Hudson, FL; one son B.J. Bates of Gainesville, MO; three grandchildren Abigail, Mia and Kyna; eight siblings Betty Garfit, George Friend, O.J. Friend, Nettie Sue Hogan, Becky Boyd, Benny Friend, Charlie Friend and Wilma Pendergrass; and many nieces, nephews and friends.


Funeral services for Mary will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 26, 2011 in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Gainesville, MO. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 3-5 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Burl Norton. Burial will be in the Lilly Ridge Cemetery. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.