Mary Agnes Bates
Mary Agnes Hamacher Bates, 95, of Champaign, passed away at 4:15 p.m., Sunday, November 27, 2011, at Meadowbrook Healthcare Center, Urbana.
A Celebration of Life Musical Tribute will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 7,  2012, at First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, 302 W. Church, Champaign. Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign, is assisting with arrangements.
Mary was born November 29, 1915 in Richmond, Missouri. She was the third daughter of Ralph O. Hamacher and Lydia Catherine (Lutz) Hamacher. She married her high school sweetheart, Ernest Ludwig Bates, on January 22, 1938, in Richmond, Missouri. Mr. Bates died in 1971.
Mary was pre-deceased by her parents, one infant brother and a sister. She is survived by two sons Richard L. Bates (Julie) of Rochester Hills, Mich.; Bradford H. Bates (Mary Ann) Danville, Ill.; four grandchildren; Debbie Pace (Joel); Barbara Barber (William); Brian V. Bates and James R. Bates (Jami Brodey); five great-grandchildren; Shelby, Darby, and Benjamin Barber; Erin and Claire Pace.
Also surviving are a brother, Donald R. Hamacher (Margaret) of North Myrtle Beach, S.C. and a sister Frances Nelson of Lockhart, Tex. and a host of nieces of nephews.
Mary graduated from Richmond High School and attended Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.; Kansas City Conservatory of Music, majoring in piano and later earned her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with majors in education and music.
Mary taught for seven years in rural schools in Missouri before moving to Champaign in 1955. She continued teaching “the three R’s” as well as vocal music and children with special needs in the Rantoul and Champaign school systems.
Over the years Mary Agnes taught dozens of piano students in her home studio. She was the assistant organist of the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign in the 1960’s and a substitute organist in other churches in the Champaign-Urbana area. While classically trained, Mary was a versatile pianist but could play any tune “by ear,” “from Bach to Boogie,” in her words. Her mother (who had master classes with Leopold Godowsky in Germany, 1911) was her first piano teacher at age four.
Mary Agnes along with her husband and sons moved to Champaign in 1955 where they joined Mary’s brother, Don Hamacher in his business, Dog and Suds drive-in restaurants. After a few years, Mr. Bates joined the staff of the Harry Gill Track and Field Company as manager of the shipping department until his death in 1971. Mary continued teaching in Unit 4 schools, retiring in 1977. She led a full life, still teaching piano and performing at social and civic organizations until her death.
Mary Agnes was an AVID concert-goer, mostly to Krannert Music Center. Mary Agnes was a 50-year member of the First Presbyterian Church, a 50- year member of Daughters of the American Revolution and belonged to Sigma Alpha Iota and honorary music sorority; C-U Symphony Guild, Music Teachers of North America; NEA, Evening Etude-Mozart Music Club; Hope Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and several historical and genealogical societies.
Mary is proud to be a direct descendant of the pioneer Daniel Boone — “my fourth great-grandfather” as she says.
Memorial contributions may be offered for music scholarships to an organization of the donor’s choice: Evening Etude-Mozart Club, Sigma Alpha Iota, and C-U Symphony Guild.
Condolences to the family may be offered online at www.HeathandVaughn.com.
Condolences
Dear Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren of Mary,
For many years I was privileged to know you mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. We were in the Evening Etude/Mozart Club together, and for the last few years, Mary graced our Tuesday morning Bible study group with her presence, her wisdom, her stories, and her ever-present sense of humor. She was gracious enough to allow me to play piano duets with her for our music club, and I so enjoyed our practice sessions. Mary will be sorely missed in Etude/Mozart. She accompanied so many soloists, both instrumental and vocal, and she loved playing for the group—wonderful pieces—the music just flowed from her fingers. It is very hard to believe I won't hear her wonderful piano numbers—at least until I make it through the pearly gates. I just know that Mary is up there playing in ensembles and arranging concerts right this very moment. We were doing a Bible study on Heaven this last semester, and now, I know that Mary is learning all about it first hand.
Her presence, her talent, and her wisdom will be sorely missed throughout our community. It is hard to believe there could be anyone in Champaign-Urbana that hasn't heard Mary play for some function. Her social calendar was way more active than mine, and I am in my 70's. I could hardly keep up with her! I know you are all grieving her loss—as so many of us here are doing as well. She was a wonderful spirit; uplifting, positive, encouraging, and such fun to be around! She always brought her camera to Etude/Mozart and faithfully recorded every meeting and performance, and she shared her pictures with all the performers as well. Recently, she sent pictures to my mother of pictures she had taken of our trio singing in a birthday card for my mother. My mother (age 100) was so pleased to get them. Mary constantly thought of nice things to do for people—and then she followed through.
Mary made the most of her many years, as you well know. She seemed to have the ability to take joy in the moment. She was filled with faith and she strengthened the faith of everyone in our Bible study group. One of our members said that Mary seemed ageless. She could relate to people of any age and enjoyed all her friends and associations so much. She seemed tireless as well. She always said "yes" whenever she was asked to play solos or to accompany. She was a marvelous musician and a real treasure to all of us. Many in our Bible study group will be contributing to the Evening Etude/Mozart Club scholarship fund in her memory to help local youth attend summer music camp.
I am so sorry that I will be out of town for Mary's memorial tribute. As part of our Christmas, my family are all going to Disney World together on January 4th through the 13th. I regret very much not being able to attend what I know will be a wonderful celebration of her life. Mary loved all of you so very much—and she was so proud of you all. You were all greatly loved by her and are the largest part of the wonderful legacy she leaves behind. There is a little less music and a little less love in the world at her passing.
Sincerely,
Linda Linke
Champaign, Illinois
Dear family of Mrs. Bates,
My condolences for your loss. Mrs. Bates, as she was known to me and the many others who had the privilege of being taught piano by her, will be sorely missed by many. She had such a kind way about her and such patience! There was many a time that I showed up for lessons having practiced very little, but she was always encouraging. And as a result, I now have the pleasure of playing for my 2 daughters. I can only hope that I can find someone to teach them who is half as wonderful as she was to me. I wish I could be there for the musical tribute, but please know that I'm thinking of all of you.
Sincerely,
Amy Webbink
Bozeman, MT 59715
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