Stella Faye Cates

OBITUARY STELLA FAYE CATES Stella Faye Cates, age 95 of Bolivar, died April 14, 2006, in the Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility in Bolivar. She was born on March 22, 1911 in Cliquot, MO, the daughter of Horace and Sara Whitney. She married Olma Lloyd 'Hen' Cates on May 20, 1931 and to this union three children were born, Betty, Lloyd and Deborah. Faye worked at Wade's store, the Bolivar Herald Free-Press and the Christian Church. She was loved by the whole community. She was famous for her sugar cookies, and her tomatoes. Faye knew what it was like to grow up and work a hard life, but that never changed her fiery spirit and joy for life. Faye took great pride and joy in her garden and was very proud and famous for her tomatoes. Faye enjoyed going down to listen to music, talking on the phone, and everyone knew if Faye was on the phone it could be hours before you could get a hold of her, so you had better be ready to talk. Faye also looked forward to Saturday morning breakfast down at the coffee shop. She enjoyed seeing and visiting with people. Children will always remember the candy corn she carried in her pocket. Faye was a very strong person and lived life on her own terms for a very long time. The last four years of her life she lived in a nursing home, where she enjoyed doing activities and most of all talking with everyone. Faye's spirit never let life keep her down very long, she understood that family, friends and life was a special treasure and life could be taken at anytime. Faye was a wonder person with a heart that was so strong and gentle. Faye's strength, courage, spirit and love will truly be missed by many. She touched so many people's lives in so many different ways. Everyone who knew Faye will always carry a special memory of her fiery spirit. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Betty Culp and husband Merle of Parma, Idaho; her son Lloyd Cates and wife Lela of Bolivar, MO; her daughter Deborah Kelly of Fultonville, NY and three granddaughters, Janet Picket of Nampa, Idaho, Robin Blair of Fultonville, NY and Stephanie Blazer of Bolivar, MO. Also three great grandchildren, Zachary Blazer of Bolivar, MO; Travis Blair and Victoria Blair of Fultonville, NY. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband 'Hen', two brothers, Home Whitney and Silas Whitney and four sisters, Oma Spurlock, Mamie Shull, Florence Spillman and Elsie Brooks. And two grandsons, Travis Harris and Michael Cates. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 10:00 AM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Noel Gladden officiating. Musical selections were "Amazing Grace", "The Old Rugged Cross", and "When I Get Where I'm Going". Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery east of Bolivar under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Casketbearers were: Johnny Spurlock, William Blair, Richard Appleby, and Steve Whitney. Friend may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Stella Faye Cates

March 22, 1911 - April 14, 2006