Dorothy Ann Bates

Dorothy Ann Bates died Friday, June 19, 2015, at her home in Horseshoe Bay, surrounded by her family. Dorothy was born June 30, 1922, in Dallas, Texas to Augustus Scott and Edna Cannon Blessing. She attended Vickery Place Elementary School and graduated from North Dallas High School. She was a member of Munger Place Methodist Church, where she met Clary Bates, the love of her life. They were married on December 21, 1943, after a three-year courtship during which time Clary attended medical school at UTMB in Galveston Texas. Dorothy attended the University of Texas and transferred to UTMB, working as a lab technician in the blood chemistry department at John Sealy Hospital.

Dorothy and Clary settled in Austin, Texas, with their three sons, Ben, Jarrett and Bruce. Dorothy’s life was busy, raising three boys, doing volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, Settlement Club, Travis County Medical Society Auxiliary, Austin State School, Junior Helping Hands, and was a founding member of her investment club, the Profiteers. She was an accomplished duplicate bridge player and continued this activity for many years. Dorothy was known by all to be a wonderful cook. A meal at Dorothy’s table was always the high point of any family gathering. Her hospitable and caring nature warmed and enriched the lives of those around her.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Dr. Clary Bates; her three sons and their wives: Ben and Paula Bates of Ruidoso, Jarrett and Sharon Bates of Horseshoe Bay, and Bruce and Mary Jo Bates of Temple. Also surviving her are her grandchildren: Jeff Bates (Karyn), Shan Bates- Bundick (Jacob), Ryan Bates (Courtney), Grant Bates (Michelle), Andy Bates, Jamie Bates Deady (Marty) and Jacob Bates (Carleigh). She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Cannon, Clary, Samuel, Caroline, Conor, Addy and Emma.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to her loving care-giver, Susan Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, June 22 at the Church at Horseshoe Bay, 600 Hi Ridge, Horseshoe Bay. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church at Horseshoe Bay, P.O. Box 8295, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, 78657.