Mollie Belle Cates

Mollie Belle Cates, 94, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Amarillo Texas. She was born in Whitefield Oklahoma on March 13, 1932, to Lillie Mae & William Ernest Smith. She married Clinton Cates in 1949, and was blessed to spend 64 years with him, until his death in 2014. Mollie’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone in her life, even as a child she would pretend to “Preach” emulating her grandfather Smith, who was a Baptist Pastor. Throughout her lifetime she spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who would listen. Mollie loved being around people. Countless times over the years, when people would discover we were related to Mollie, their response would be the same— “We just love Mollie—She is so sweet.” We are sad that she is no longer here, but we know she is rejoicing in the presence of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as being reunited with her loved ones who passed before her; & we rejoice with her.

Mollie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Lena Mae Hanson. She is survived by her son Clinton Cates Jr., daughter, Kathy Rucker and her husband Patrick; her grandchildren Jennifer Woodard & husband Scott; Tera Kile; Dalton Rucker & wife Ashleigh; and 9 great-grandchildren.

We wish to thank with all our hearts the staff at the Sycamore at Park Central, along with the BSA Hospice of the Southwest nurses who all lovingly cared for her and who also helped us immensely through a difficult time. May God bless them richly.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.