Mary Lou Bates

Mary Lou Bates, age 78, of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Anderson, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri. She entered this life on December 24, 1947, in Stella, Missouri, born to the union of Carl and Nellie (Buttram) Clark.

She was raised and attended school in Anderson, Missouri. She later resided in Barling, Arkansas, where she dedicated many years of service as a secretary at Beverly Healthcare before her well-deserved retirement. In 2022, she moved to Mammoth Springs, Arkansas. Mary Lou's interests were as vibrant as her personality. She had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling, often embarking on journeys that brought her joy and excitement. Her visits to area casinos were not just about the games but also about the vibrant social interactions and the thrill of new experiences.

She is survived by her two sons, Marty Sanders and wife, Tammy, of Anderson, Missouri and Darren Sanders also of Anderson; two stepchildren, Frances Smith and husband, Chuck, of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas and Mike Bates of Little Rock, Arkansas; a grandson, Bradley Sanders; five step-grandchildren, Ashlyn Smith, Krista Barry, Taylor Smith, Dylan Smith and Kenneth Baskins; her mother, Nellie Clark of Mountain Home, Arkansas; a brother, Robert Clark and wife, Wanda, of Bolivar, Missouri; four sisters, Sharon Williams and significant other, Chuck Witherspoon, Sandy Curry and husband, Earl, of Joplin, Missouri, Pam Coss and significant other, Mark Sissel of Nashville, Tennessee and Becky Jackson and significant other, Vince McMahon also of Nashville; as well as a host of other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father; her husband, Roger Bates; a granddaughter, Joy Sanders; and a brother, Charles Clark.

Graveside services are 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2026 at Union Cemetery near Longview, Missouri with Pastor Jamey Cope officiating. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Marty Sanders, Darren Sanders, Bradley Sanders, Tom Beaudry, Vince McMahon and Chuck Smith. No formal visitation will be held. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.