Mary T. Bate

Mary Therese Bate, 92, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Brookdale, McPherson.

Mary was born on March 8, 1934, on the family farm near Ellinwood, KS. She graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1952. On September 28, 1957, she was united in marriage to Bert A. Bate in Ellinwood. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Louie, Kathy “Mitz”, Janet, and Edwin “Ed”. Mary and Bert shared many wonderful years together until his passing on March 12, 2003.

She worked for approximately 20 years in the cafeteria for USD 418. Mary was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and its Altar Society, where she found strength and purpose through her faith. She cherished the simple pleasures of life, especially gardening, tending to her yard, walking, and spending time outdoors. She and Bert also enjoyed golfing and dancing together, creating many fond memories along the way.

Above all, family was the center of Mary's life. She took great joy in attending her children's and grandchildren's school activities and sporting events, always proud to be there to cheer them on and share in their accomplishments. She especially loved the traditions of Christmas baking, filling the season with the warmth and sweetness of homemade pumpkin bread, monster cookies, and peanut brittle. Mary also treasured her friendships and looked forward to gathering with her Thursday lunch group, enjoying the companionship and fellowship of dear friends.

She is survived by her four children, Louie (Marliece) Bate of McPherson, KS, Mitz (Tony) Fawl of McPherson, KS, Janet (Mark) Kruse of Wichita, KS, and Ed (Sheila) Bate of McPherson, KS; 10 grandchildren, Holly (Tommy) Lofgren, Tyler (Samantha) Bate, Ryan (Lacie) Bate, Cody (Britney) Fawl, Treg (Molli) Fawl, Taylor (Kyle) Johnston, Taryn (Cody) Vaivada, Brett (Tashley) Bate, Brooke (Anthony) Jarvis, and Britton (Ellen) Bate; 23 great-grandchildren; and many extended relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Esther Oberle, Florentine Oberle, Victor Kimpler, Bernetta Oberle, Roman Kimpler, and Katherine “Kate” Feist; and half-siblings, Helen Schulz, Jacob Kimpler and Raymond Kimpler.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with Rosary to follow on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, on Friday, November 13, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Kerschen officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.