Mary Jane Bates, 66, died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at her home after a two year battle with cancer. Mary was born May 31, 1944 to Donald and Jeanette (Ingvalson) Bell. She was baptized and confirmed at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. She later joined St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Mary graduated from Austin High School in 1962 and married Terry Bates in 1964; in this marriage they had two children. They later divorced.

Through the years, Mary worked at Engen Egg Farm, Weyerhaeuser Paper Co., Scotsman Ice Machines, Mower County Jail and Holiday Inn. She enjoyed bowling, camping, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. For the past 13 years Mary spent much of her time with her close friend, Snooley Johnson. She was also a member of the MMRC Motorcycle Club and loved to ride her Honda.

Mary is survived by her children, Trent and Tonia (fiance Darren Frohwein); granddaughter, Samantha Lebarron; brothers, William (Janice) and Michael (Cheryl) Bell; sister, Suzanne (Robert) Schmidt; close friend Snooley Johnson; and nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Memorial services will be held Monday Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Family and friends will meet for a one-hour visitation before and after the funeral.