Mary was born on August 26, 1946, in Limon, Colorado, and passed on October 3, 2026, in Richland, Washington. Around 1950, her parents, Charley Elston and Dorothy Pearson settled in Benton City, Washington, where they raised five children. Mary graduated from high school and married Larry Coates in 1964. They raised their children, Tim and Tracy, in Benton City before moving to Richland in 1980. Mary was a home maker while her children were young and later went to work as a procurement specialist at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation until her retirement in 2008.

Mary was as tough as she was gentle, with a loving, talented, unassuming, and capable spirit. She treasured time at home, surrounded by the people and activities she loved. Family always came first, and her pets—her “fur babies”—were most certainly family; many cats and dogs found their forever homes in her care. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed the books of Janet Evanovich and John Sanford. Mary was also a gifted seamstress who created many of her children’s outfits. She was a wonderful cook and creative baker known for her animal and character inspired cakes. Her divinity was especially popular, and a frequently requested Christmas treat.

Intelligent and quick-witted, she enjoyed trivia, puzzle or table games with her grandchildren and friends. When her grandchildren were younger, she loved family trips to campgrounds and softball fields and was always ready for another overnight adventure with them. In the mid-1970’s, Mary bought a large porcelain church for a Christmas village. That purchase inspired an elaborate Christmas Village display and an annual open house.

In late August, Mary’s family and friends gathered for a surprise celebration of her 80^th birthday. Her lifelong friend Paula, whom she hadn’t seen in more than 60 years, traveled with her husband, Robin, to spend several days with her. Paula and Robin helped get Mary to the party by serving as decoys. Mary was completely surprised and enjoyed several wonderful days with those she loved. We did not know it then, but the gathering became a final celebration more meaningful than anyone could have imagined.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, brother, niece, nephew and several cousins.

She is survived by her son, Tim Coates and his wife, Mary; her grandchildren, Nancy, David, Annalisa and Chelsea; her sisters, Dorothy Hanson and her husband Dale, Nettie Watson and her husband Mike; her brothers, Wayne Elston and his wife Hanny, Ron Coates and his wife Claudia, and Dick Coates. Mary was also blessed with more nieces, nephews and cousins than can be named here. She welcomed many dear friends into her family, and her heart always had more love to give.

A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on October 30, 2026, at Apostles in Einan’s Sunset Gardens in Richland. Reception details will be announced at a later date.