Mary L. Bates

Obituary For Mary L. Bates

Mary L. Bates, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at her home in Caballo, NM. Mary was born in Roswell, NM to John Wesley Harden Cave and Helen Philips. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a public servant for a majority of her life, giving back to the community any way she could. Mary and her husband Eugene were foster parents for many years, fostering over 30 children. She fostered 2 of the kids for so long, when the state said they were going to put them in a different foster home, Mary adopted them both. She was always active in her children’s life, doing 4-H and FFA. Mary and Gene moved to Sierra County in 1963 and bought their home in Caballo. They later moved to Arizona for some time, before returning to NM in 1985. On July 4, 1987, Mary along with her new neighbors, including Joe and DeeDee Prewitt, came together to establish the Caballo Fire Station. Mary proudly served as the fire chief for over 36 years. She also founded the ALS Program of Sierra County and Mednet Ambulance Service. She was a paramedic and worked for the ambulance service for much of her life.

When not working, Mary loved quilting, gardening, and canning. She and Gene often enjoyed trips to Nevada, though Mary was most happy at home with her dogs, cats, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Keith Bates and wife Becky of Aztec, NM; Spencer Bates of Las Cruces, NM, and Tudi Schwinn and husband James of Caballo, NM; 7/ grandchildren: Tamera, Zachery, Rilee, Emilee, Oran, Jube, Victoria, Adam, Luke, and Ethan; and 5 great grandchildren: Leo, Ryana, Angelina, Sabastian, and LillyAnna. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Bates; daughter, Marsha Maxwell; and son, Hoss Bates.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Caballo Church, with Brett Smith officiating.