San Tuy “MamaSan” Bates passed away peacefully in her home Friday, July 12, 2019. San was a resident of Kansas at the time of the passing. She was born on March 3, 1940 in Kompong Cham, Cambodia and was a survivor of the Cambodian genocide. As a devoted mother, she managed to escape with her three children to multiple refugee camps and eventually, with the assistance of YMCA International and Don Bosco Community Center, made way to arrive in the US in 1981.
San married Dr. Claude Parker Bates Jr in 1983, the couple shared their passion for animals in the private veterinarian practice, Stone Court Small Animal Hospital. They spent many years teaching their children generosity by providing support to new refugees arriving to the area. San spent part of her career as a Stay at Home Mother to later be employed by Kansas University Medical Center where she loyally carried out her Environmental Services duties for fourteen years. San was an avid gardener and loved to be entertained by her favorite show, The Price Is Right.
San was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Claude Parker Bates Jr.; twin sister, Tuy Yourn; sons, Thon Seng, Robert and James Bates; granddaughter, Taylor. San is lovingly remembered by sisters: Chork Kunthik and Chork Davuth of Cambodia; daughters, Yvonne Ellsworth (Jim), Borey Baldassarre (Anthony), Angela Bates; sons, Kenneth (Kim) and David (Lynn) Bates; grandchildren, Anthony, Serena, Mariana, Austin, Andrew, Jennifer, Matthew, Michael, Karen, David Jr. and Theresa.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled 10:30 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd, with a procession following to Floral Hills Cemetery,7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133, for a cremation service at 12:30 pm. The Family would especially like to thank her Kansas City Hospice Care Team, Dr. Christopher Ehly, Wat Munivongsa - Buddhist Cultural Center of Wichita, Kansas and the China Feast Family.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to defray funeral expenses. They may be mailed or delivered to the funeral home (20 W. Linwood, Kansas City, MO 64111) or given to the family on Sunday before the service.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18