Mary Ruth Bates

Mary Ruth Franks Bates, who touched the lives of thousands of students during her 38 years of teaching at Brady High School passed away 04/29/2026 at the age of 95 following several years of declining health.

Her dedication career in education also included numerous leadership roles in various associations and awards such as her recognition as "District XV Business Teacher of the year" in 1975.

She taught high school business, shorthand, bookkeeping, typing and eventually computer skills. For her it was always all about preparing students for their respective careers.

"Teaching can be challenging at times but I loved the times watching students develop learning skills and mature into respective leadership roles in their careers and communities."

She was preceded in death by her parents Merel and Howard Franks, brother John Franks, husband James Otis Bates and son James Howard (Jimmy) Bates.

"My time teaching and living in Brady were wonderful blessings that gave me so much joy." She once said, “Jim and I were so fortunate to have settled in Brady soon after our (1952) wedding. Brady was so welcoming and a great place to raise a family. I had so many friends there and it was as easy place to live.

Mary is survived by her daughter Karen Bates and partner Lawrence Sieger of Walnut Bend, sister Nancy Farris of Victoria, Texas, brother Joe and Meredith Franks of Giddings, Texas, daughter in law Cynthia Bates of Placios, Texas, grandchildren Ronnie Linton and Melissa Janda.

Mary Franks Bates was born February 18, 1931 in Gatesville, to parents, Merle and Howard Franks.

Mary was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Brady.

After graduating from Gatesville High School in 1948, Mary received a Bachelor of Business Administration from SMU and later a master's degree from Sul Ross University.

She was a member of the National Education Association, National Business Education Association, Texas Business Education Association and also the Texas State Teachers and Texas Classroom Association.

She was president of the Epsilon Sigma sorority in 1960 and served in leadership positions for the District XV Texas State Teachers Association. She remained active in retirement years, serving as treasurer, secretary, vice president and president of the McCulloch county Retired Teachers Association.

In 1989, she received the State FTA Advisor of the Year Award - for the third time. She also was honored three times as the Texas Business Education Association as the " Outstanding Teacher.”

Her enthusiasm for education was reflected in her decades' long role as co-adviser for the Future Teachers Association. In 1989, the FTA Chapter was renamed "The Mary Bates FTA" to honor her lengthy dedication.

Mary also was involved in the community, serving as president, treasurer for the Women's Society. She also was a leader of the Lydia Circle.

Traveling became a retirement ritual- ranging from weekly trips to San Angelo to annual cruises. Her favorite trip was traveling to Switzerland.

She enjoyed cooking, traveling and hosting family gatherings.

Mary collected so many recipes and once acknowledged, " I won't have time to cook them all."