Mary Bates
Mary Helen Bates, 87, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Harmony of Marshalltown. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi – St. Henry Catholic Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will follow services at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Memorials or Mass contributions may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Anderson Funeral Homes of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Mary was born September 15, 1937, to John and Theresa (Jansen) Stalzer in Haverhill, IA, the youngest of 10 children. She attended St. Mary’s High School graduating with the class of 1955. She began work at Montgomery Ward in Marshalltown shortly after graduation as an office manager, working there for over 20 years. On June 22, 1957, Mary was united in marriage to the love of her life, Ed Bates, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Haverhill. The two made their home in Marshalltown where Mary held several office positions in the community. She enjoyed working, most recently for the Marshalltown Community School District until age 85.
Mary was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church including serving on the St. Mary’s CCW group. She was proud of her faith and the church was of great significance to her. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling, camping, quilting, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, and watching ESPN. Most of all, Mary cherished family gatherings and any time spent with her loved ones. Including her shopping adventures with her nieces and great nieces. She was so loved and will be dearly missed.
Mary is survived by a daughter, Jolene Bates, a son-in-law, Roger (Kami) Thenhaus, three grandchildren; Laurie Houska, Ryan (Erin) Houska, and Scott (Kayla) Thenhaus, 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and her sibling-in-laws; Arlene Stalzer, Harold Heil, and Frank Navara.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, her daughter, Lisa Thenhaus, her son, Eddie Bates, and her siblings; Elsie (Ray) Kopel, Ethel (Bud) Neuroth, Clarence (Betty) Stalzer, Irma (Cliff) Smith, Lester Stalzer, Glenn (Ann) Stalzer, Irene Heil, Dorothy (Chuck) Richard, and Anna Mae Navara.