Mary Ann Cates

Mary Ann Cates passed away peacefully in her home on August 22, 2023, with family present. “Well done, good and faithful servant,” Matthew 25:23.

Mary was born on July 18, 1932, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to John and Mary Polivka. She met her husband, Joe Cates, at the University of Minnesota. Her husband was a pilot in the US Air Force. He preceded her in death.

She was a supportive, loving wife and mother to her 3 daughters, Mary Jo, Becky (Kirk), Mimsy (Paul). She left behind 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Being a military family, we lived in many diverse places, but mom always made a nice home. She gave wonderful dinner parties and was a gifted seamstress. Her house was always spotless.

A major achievement in her life was being a Teaching leader for 36 years in Explorers’ Bible Study. It gave her great joy to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Many women of different faiths in Davis County benefited from her insightful, heartfelt lectures. She not only taught God’s Word but demonstrated how to live a godly life. She did not gossip or judge others. She was a “prayer warrior” who gave good spiritual advice.

God blessed her with a good, long life. Mom was fortunate to be cared for by her daughters and compassionate caregiver, Ali. There will be a memorial service on Muir Beach, California, where her ashes will be scattered over the Pacific Ocean. Donations can be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

We thank Ali and Bristol Hospice for their wonderful care. Mom told her daughters to think of the following song’s lyrics after she passed away: “Oh when I’m on my journey, don’t you weep after me, I don’t want you to weep after me.”