Mary Alice "Mollie" Peters Bates, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2009 in Chico, CA. Mollie was born September 29, 1923 in Oakland, CA to Thomas and Eleanor Peters.

The youngest of five siblings, she was raised in Oakland and graduated from Oakland High School in 1941. She briefly attended Chico State College until the outbreak of World War II. She chose to stay with her parents in Oakland to offer them emotional support during the war years. After her marriage to Wayne Bates she moved to Willits, CA. Mollie spent 27 years in Willits before moving to Chico in 1973.

Mollie's greatest joy was being a daughter, sister, "auntie", mother and "grammie". Her family was everything to her. She also enjoyed gardening, antiquing and being a meticulous housekeeper. She was known for her generous giving nature and her wonderful sense of humor.

Mollie was predeceased by her son, Richard. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Bates; son-in-law, Chris Prator; and grandchildren Alex and Grace Prator.

In accordance to her wishes, Mollie's ashes will be scattered in her beloved redwoods at a later date by immediate family members.

Donations in her name may be sent to Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc., in care of Newton- Bracewell Chico Funeral Home. View and send condolences of "Mollie" online at NBCFH.com.