Mary’s young father did not survive the 1918 pandemic, but his young daughter did and lived to be over 104 years old. She grew up, attended school, worked, raised a family and volunteered most of that time in Kansas City, KS. While attending school as a teen, her first job was working as a “carhop” at Smitty’s Drug Store on the corner of 18th Street and Washington Blvd. After graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1934, she was employed by a “fine apparel” ladies shop on the “Avenue”. She and her husband, Jack Bates, ran the family business, Jiffy Cleaners. They remained in business for over 40 years.
Volunteering was her passion, She was a member and board member of various civic, charitable and church organizations. One of her favorites was the Junior League. Mary served as treasurer and President in 1955. She was active in the Lenexa United Methodist Church up to her late 90's. Mary and Jack were married for 63 years. They had two children; Jackson (deceased) and Peggy (Bates) Gustin; three grandchildren, Lisa (Bates) Fisher, Bradley Gustin and Hannah (Gustin) Cutting; five great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Mary also leaves her many beloved extended family members.
Donations may be made in her memory to; Lenexa United Methodist Church, 9138 Caenen Lake Road, Lenexa, KS 66215 or The Salvation Army, 3637 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111 or your favorite charity.