Mary Cates

Priscilla Mary Helen Cates was born on August 11, 1927 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Anthony and Letha Townsend. Mary’s early years were spent enjoying her sisters, of which there were seven, and one brother. The family travelled around a lot during her growing up years, but Mary loved school and was the only one of her siblings to go to college. She earned a degree from Kings College in Minneapolis, Minnesota and then went to work for a Home Mission in Kings Garden, Seattle. There she made a decision to become a missionary with Wycliff Bible Translators. She trained for a year, three months of which were in a jungle camp in Chiapas, Mexico among the Tzeltal Indians. She learned survival skills at the advanced base camp and upon graduation received her assignment. Because of her previous experience, she as assigned as a secretary to the directors of the Brazil Branch of the Wycliffe Bible Translators. However, she also spent time in the jungle with the Terena Indians of Motograsso. Upon her return to the States, she worked for Wycliffe in Santa Ana as a publisher of their newsletter.

Mary was married to Charles L. Cates on February 22, 1967 in Santa Ana California. Although Mary and Charles never had children of their own, they spent many years at church working with two-year-olds. They loved holding and spoiling the little ones. Nieces and nephews were also treated to a wonderful vacation after graduation from high school. Mary and Charles generously loaned their cabin to family and friends, including Missionaries on furlough, for honeymoons and vacations.

Shortly after Charles passed away in 2019, Mary moved to Riverside to an Assisted Living Facility. She remained there until her death. Survivors include her sister Joyce Hart, Alicia Hart, Connie Chapin, Sharon Skaggs, Susan Huddleston and Carry Tillery.