Mary Weller Cates
December 1, 1957 ~ May 23, 2020
Mary Weller Cates, age 62, awoke in the arms of Jesus Christ on Saturday morning May 23, 2020. Born in Dallas, Texas December 1, 1957 to Frances and Cyrus B. Weller, Jr., the family moved to San Antonio early in her life. Mary was speaking Spanish and English at age 3 and routinely made the rounds with her daddy visiting stock brokers, truck lines, bankers and a new adventure that Cy and Ed Muir concocted; a perpetual care cemetery on the east side of San Antonio. In 1971, Mary met Craig Cates in God’s Country, Camp Longhorn, Inks Lake, where they continued their friendship. After graduating from Alamo Heights High School in 1979, Mary and Craig both decided to go to Southwestern University. While in college The San Antonio German club presented Mary as a debutante during the 1978-1979 season. After 4 years of great fun, Mary and Craig married in 1980 and settled in San Antonio. Mary worked as a para legal for Marshall Groce while Craig was a trainee at Dial Finance. In 1981 Mary and Craig “threw the dice” and went all in on this crazy cemetery idea Ed Muir and Cy Weller dreamed up. After 39 years of lots of love, fun, and a little heartache the love and efforts of Mary and Craig were blooming.
Mary was a perfectionist and it showed in everything she did. She had always wanted to ride horses. Mary finds the best horse trainers in the State of Texas, Claudia and Johnny Conn of Twisted Oak Farm in Bulverde. From the beginning of her horse career in 1995, Mary and her thoroughbred, “Smooth Moves” aka Luke, won several state champions honors in the Texas Hunter Jumper Association in the 1998- 2001 era.
Mary touched so many lives with her innate sweetness and compassion. She had helped so many people and pets along the way. One night in the late 80’s Craig came home from work to learn they were the proud owners of 5 Basset hounds, (in our bed) that were at risk of euthanasia. Earlyne Buchanan and Mary along with Dr. Ray Trimmier were a solid team working for the Bexar County Humane Society. Also, during her journey, Mary was a sustaining member of the Junior League of San Antonio, a past member of the Blue Bird Auxiliary, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, and a past chairman of the Bright Shawl Tea Room for the Junior League.
Survivors are her soulmate of 39 years, Craig Cates, Dorthea Hardin, mother in law, Godson Charles Steen, his wife Janie, and their daughters Katie, Kaitlyn, and Kassidy. Also surviving are Cy Cates, brother in law and his wife Robin and their daughters: Shelby Bower and her husband Stephen, Lindsay and her husband George Patterson and their daughter Talulla. Also surviving are Longfellow and Mattie Girl Cates; two very broken-hearted dachshunds. Mary is also survived by multiple generations of cousins to whom she opened her heart and home including the Weller, Stubbs and Cole families.
Craig wishes to extend special thanks to Jesus Espinosa, Dorothy Armstrong, Christine Urrutia, and Amber Kramer and the late, Alvina Govan for providing their tender loving care to Mary along her journey. Also, thanks for the love shown by the Meadowlawn staff over the years.
Mary’s ashes will be placed in a private family mausoleum along with the ashes of her four- legged life companions: Sallie Belle, Dolly, Callie, Candy, Beauregard, Mattie Boy, Buddy and Luke.
Due to the Covid- 19 virus, private services for Mary Cates are pending. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choosing or to Mary’s favorite, Diamond Dachshund Rescue, at P.O. Box 17736, San Antonio, Tx. 78217 or ddrtx.org.
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Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled. Weeping Endurance For A Moment, But Joy Cometh In The Morning. Craig, You And Your Family Have My Deepest Condolences.. Faye County Dorsey
Mary did everything with excellence. She was a beautiful person with a loving heart. We were blessed to know her and call her friend. Love and prayers for you, Craig.
May Beautiful Memories Comfort You All In Your Time Of Sorrow, The Clark Family Is Sending Their Deepest Sympathy, Love and Prayers…An Angel She Was And Forever She Will Be…. We Will Cherish Precious Memories Of Ms. Cates “MiMi” For A Lifetime, Suzanne~Gary Clark
Mary is my only Aunt on my fathers side. Every time I was with her she was kind and giving. Even as a young child I knew she was a lady with great taste. My favorite memory was when my Aunt Mary and Uncle Craig drove my new husband and I from our wedding reception to our hotel. Just like they had done for my parents many years prior. Spending time with them on such a special day meant a lot to me. I had been meaning to call Mary to tell her some special news. I wish I had called her sooner, but I believe she knows now. My deepest condolences to my Uncle. Rest In Peace Aunt Mary ❤️
Bob and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. She was such a sweetheart. A kind, thoughtful, classy lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and pets as they grieve her loss.
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary and Craig, my precious friends, I have been touched and deeply blessed by Mary’s kind heart and merciful spirit. Mary extended love, kindness and Grace to everyone she met and was a Christ-like servant in all areas of her life. Mary loved her husband more than anything on earth and she gave her fur babies the best home and life imaginable. Through her death, I am reminded of what a Godly way Mary lived her life and I am forever blessed by her passing through mine. Craig, I send my love and prayers to you during this irreplaceable loss. Your beautiful union and life with Mary is an example to us all. I pray that you take comfort in the knowledge that Mary is in paradise, looking into the face of her savior. What a glorious reunion you will one day have! I am fully persuaded that Mary will be patiently awaiting your arrival in eternity. When she finally sees you come, Mary will run to meet you. My love and deep condolences, Susan Dial
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and Mr. Craig Cates. You are in thoughts and prayers. Tammie Zacharie and Select Federal Credit Union Team
Our deepest condolences to you Craig and your fur babies. She will be missed. Hugs Tatiana & Teresa
I cannot believe this, I will definitely miss her bright smile! Craig, let us know if we can do anything.
I worked for Cy Weller’s, K.L Breeden’s truck line in the summers of 77 and 78 in San Antonio and Dallas, respectively. Loading trucks was tough but it paid well. I ran into the fella that cleaned the trucks; a fella named Nathan, but everyone called him, “Chopper.” Chopper had spent most of his life in the penitentiary and Cy Weller would write the letter sealing his employment…I understand this happen more than once. Anyway, Nathan asked me how I got there, and I told him thru, Mary’s father. He said, “Mary?” I said, yes, He said that’s Mr. Cy, the Wheel’s daughter. Chopper told me what the Wheel meant- the next summer Chopper worked in Dallas and I ran into him again. Ten years later, Chopper walks into MeadowLawn and asked to speak to the Wheel! Sherri said, “Mr. Cates?” No, I want to see the Big Wheel- Mr. Cy. Five years later we cremated Chopper. Mary let me think, I was the Boss, but we all knew Mary was “The Big Wheel Rolling.”
Craig, Steve and I just learned of Mary’s passing. We are very saddened by the news and we are holding you close in our prayers. When I think of Mary, it’s her smile that I remember most, it could light a room. She was always full of joy and was so caring. Steve and I have a lot of fond memories of times spent with both of you at Southwestern. We are so sorry for your loss. Joan and Steve Lufburrow
Mary was such a huge part of my years at Southwestern. She was my roommate, my Zeta Big Sister and a dear friend. She was always so kind and generous. I have so many wonderful memories. One of my favorites was getting a fresh lime slush from Sonic, adding rum and driving the back roads of Georgetown with the 8-track blaring the soundtrack from Grease. I’m sending all my thoughts, prayers and love to Craig and family.
Love the beautiful pics of Mary and you over the years! Big hugs to you Craig, we are so sorry for your loss! She will be missed by so many and her furbabies. She was so sweet and kind! Hope to stay in touch and know you are loved!
Mary and I were childhood friends from St. Mary’s Hall. When I was the “new kid in the class” she was always the first to include me in conversation, hop scotch or playground activities. Mary’s house was always a favorite because she had an endless supply of Delaware Punch and Mrs. Schneider’s Bakery’s angel food squares. I still can taste that today after 50 years. My deepest condolences to Mary’s family.
I’m in disbelief. I’ve had many, many clients over the years but Mary was so nice and friendly to me on every occasion. So friendly. So nice. So personable. I will truly miss her.
Craig and Cates Family, just learned of Mary’s passing. I am so sad. We had great times being twirlers together, and I love the memory in your pictures of seeing y’all in costumes at the party at our house way back when….. that was a fun night too!! Mary was so, so nice to me always… wishing you great strength and deepest sympathies in these sad times…. Lisa Pawel
I am so saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. She was my friend and riding partner back in the day at Twisted Oak Farm. I will miss her but am thankful for the memories.
Ive know Mary and Craig for thirty five years. I started working for the Cates doing air conditioning and appliance repair and whatever else they needed repaired. After working for Mary a couple of years, she began to treat me like family. She even treated my children like her family also. Most of the time after I finished my repairs, she would ask me, “You have time to Sharpen my knives?” So that became a normal thing that I would do for her, because she did love to cook. I know she is now ministering to all her friends in heaven as well as the LORD. She definitely had a real earthly ministry here. I truly miss her. As for you Craig, Yes she was the Boss, and I know you miss her greatly. I can here Mary saying this though, KEEP ON KEEPING ON. God bless this family and their Company. Roy Adkins.
Craig, Rex and I send our love and condolences. Mary was a very caring and generous lady. God bless you. Karen & Rex Preis
I was looking at a picture of Mary yesterday with daddy. We did not know she had passed. She was always so kind to my sister and I. We are thankful to have had her in our lives. God bless! – Vonnie