Tammy Sue "Leeper" Cates

Tammy Sue Cates, age 60, of Cameron, Missouri, passed away on January 9, 2026.

Tammy fiercely loved her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. She was funny, quick-witted, and always the entertainer at family gatherings. Those who knew her well will forever remember her distinctive eye roll-followed by the hand in the air and her turning her head away-moments that could make a room laugh without a single word spoken.

Tammy spent the past 30 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse, dedicating her career to caring for residents in nursing homes. She provided compassionate, patient-centered care and was especially drawn to working with individuals living with Alzheimer's disease. Her kindness, empathy, and gentle presence brought comfort to countless residents and families over the years.

Generous to a fault, Tammy would give her last dollar if she believed it would help someone else. If you were her friend or family, she loved you with all she had-fully, fiercely, and without hesitation.

Survivors include her children, April (Trent) Otto, James (Brittany) Stradtner, Roth Stradtner (Cheyenne Geyer), and Amanda Brown; her grandchildren, Tein, Dominic, Elijah, Aurora Sue, Raymond, Travis, Zoey, and Beau; her siblings, Dennis (Marla) Leeper, David (Lisa) Leeper, Tina (Richard) Shaginaw, and Tracy Leeper; stepsisters Patty (Brian) Schaffner, Laura (Larry) Rogge and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Lee Brown; her grandparents, Melvin and Martha Chapman, Don Sherman, and William and Doris Maxine (Smith) Leeper; her mother, Lora (Sherman) Cox; stepfather Lester Cox, her father, Dennis Leeper, Sr.; and her nephew, Devin Leeper.

Services will be held at Vaughn Funeral Home in Weston, Missouri, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Weston, Missouri, immediately following. Memorial contributions can be given to: Alzheimer's Association or Prostate Cancer Research.

Tammy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.