Mary Anne Cates

Mary Anne Cates, age 86, of Emmett Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2026.

Mary Anne was born on February 9, 1940 in Sterling Colorado to Clay and Dorothy Stephens. She grew up a PK — pastor’s kid. She was her 3 brothers’ favorite sister. Ok, their only one but still! They moved to different states to pastor churches. In 1957 they moved to Emmett and she never left. She married her best friend John on July 10, 1958. They both lived in Emmett the rest of their lives. They worked together everyday and eventually owned the local NAPA store. She gave birth to her 2 perfect children, Cheryl Lee and John Stephen. They were raised with love & happiness.

Her main loves were her God, husband, children & grandsons. Oh — and Susan’s famous baked beans!

Her interests included crafts of any kind, but mainly crocheting & quilting. Many of you are the lucky recipients of her handiwork.

Mary Anne is survived by daughter Cheryl Ginsberg and husband Brad of Emmett, Idaho; son John Cates and wife Debbie of Oracle, Arizona; grandson Kyle Carrell & wife Jaimi of Nampa, Idaho  and Grandson Connor Carrell & wife Drita of Warren, Michigan; her 2 great-grands Zoe Lion age 9 & Jaxon Phoenix age 7; her brother Jim Stephens & wife Lois of Nampa, and brother Dave Stephens & wife Roni of Caldwell, Idaho, and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, her brother Don Stephens & wife Ruth and their son John Clay.

Memorial service will be Tuesday June 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Potter Funeral Chapel, 228 E Main St. in Emmett. Lunch to follow at Heritage Christian Church at the corner of Hays and Park in Emmett.

If you have an item made by Mary Anne, please bring it to be displayed at the service.

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