Bates, Mary Jane (nee Jaycox), 81 of Ellisville, Mo. passed away Monday, February 2, 2026. She was born June 26, 1944, to the late Leslie Eugene Jaycox and Elsie Elizabeth Jaycox (nee) Bausch. She was the beloved wife of the late James Marvin Bates. Loving mother of LouAnne (Paul) Decker, Rodney (Lisa) Bates, the late Gregory (Theresa) Bates, and Susan (Doug) Green. Wonderful Grandmother of Theresa (Trevor) Jones, Victoria (Brandon) Seitz, Tyler (Cassie) Bates, Brandon Green, Ryan Green and Nicholas Bates. Proud Great Grandmother of Tessa, Vivian, Theo, Evelyn, Jaxton, Addison & Paisley. Sister of the late Philip (Melissa) Jaycox, the late Sherman (Marian) Jaycox, the late Shirley (Lee) Tinsley, and Vicki (Rick) Hansen. She was sister-in-law of the late Elmer (Larue) Bates, Martha (Bill) Wigfield, Vera (Jim) Bausch, John (Betty) Bates and Don (Nancy) Bates. Our dear aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend to many.

She was 1 of 5 Siblings. She grew up in Sherman Mo and graduated from Eureka High School. She enjoyed hanging out in the family's clubhouse on the Meramec River near the gravel bar. She spent many hours swimming with friends and family. She met and married the love of her life James Marvin Bates on July 18 , 1964. They raised 4 rowdy kids that kept them very busy. She worked as a secretary and medical transcriber. She was an amazing typer. She loved traveling, went on many cruises and visited family in England. She loved crocheting and made Afghan's, scarfs and hats for her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends. Nothing gave her more pleasure than seeing her gifts of love being worn or used. She immediately joined the Mad Hatters when she moved into the Fountains of West County. They made and donated hats to cancer patients and the homeless. Everyone asked her to make their pom poms since she was the best at it. She was an avid reader, loved her family, friends, and creating lasting memories. She was always up for new adventures and trying new things. She brought joy and laughter to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but the memories, lessons and love she gave will stay with us forever.

Services:   Funeral service at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Interment Bethel Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans . Visitation Friday 4-8 p.m. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.