Mary Jane Ates, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born Feb. 18, 1936, in French Village, Mo., to William "Bunn" and Marie Askew Thornton.

She and LaVerne Ates were married Feb. 4, 1961, in Cape Girardeau. He passed away April 2, 2000.

Mary was a secretary for State Farm Insurance and was a legal secretary in Cape Girardeau.

She was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She loved gardening and flowers.

Survivors include her brother, George (Bonnie) Thornton of Hillsboro, Mo.; sister, Helen Cummings of Walnut Shade, Mo.; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five brothers and a sister.

A graveside service will be at 9 a.m. Monday at Hobbs Chapel Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating.

Burial will be at Hobbs Chapel Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran School or Saxony Lutheran High School.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.