#1 Kennard Enterprise 7 April 1911

Mary J. Bates

Called to Her Home Beyond Mrs. Mary J., wife of W. C. Bates, who has been very ill for the past two months, passed away quietly last Tuesday night at 10:20 o’clock, surrounded by all the members of the family.

Mrs. Bates, who was the mother of the family of eleven children, of whom nine or still living, has been a resident of this neighborhood for almost thirty years, having come here with her husband on April 11, 1879, from Virginia, where they had both spent the early years of their life. Not only Mrs. Bates but her family also has always been held in high repute in this neighborhood, and several members of the family are occupying responsible positions with various concerns.

The funeral was held on Thursday afternoon from Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Dr. Hiller conducted the services, and interment was had at Kennard cemetery.

The Enterprise extends the bereaved family its sincere sympathy in the loss of a loving and Christian wife and mother.

#2 The Tribune 5 April 1911

Mrs. Wm. Bates died last Monday evening about 10 o’clock after a long illness and was buried Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The funeral services were held at the M. E. Church. Rev. Hiller was officiating. Mrs. Bates was born in Virginia May 30, 1851, coming to Nebraska some thirty years ago, and was loved and respected by all who knew her. She leaves eight children (five girls and three boys) and a husband to mourn her loss. Ye scribe and a host of friends extend, their heartfelt sympathy to the husband and children in their sad bereavement.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~