BATES, Raymond (Ray) Seth

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, April 11, 2012 On Monday, April 2, Raymond Seth Bates went to be with the Lord, and like a good cowboy, he was there before sunup. Ray was born on April 23, 1924 in Clinton, Mo., but called St. Ignatius, Mont., his home. He cowboyed all his life, riding for ranches throughout Montana, Wyoming, Nevada and Arizona. He rode saddle broncs in rodeos throughout the West and competed at Madison Square Gardens, but he was most proud of his service to his country. During World War II, Ray fought with the Midwestern 89th Light Infantry Division and then later fought with the 42nd Rainbow Division in Austria. While in Europe he crossed the Rhine River with General George Patton, and vividly remembered that night, how the Nazis were waiting on the other side and opened fire, turning the sky bright as daytime after the Army’s first assault barges hit the water. Many around him were wounded or killed, but Ray survived, earning numerous campaign ribbons and medals including the Bronze Star. Ray came to Wickenburg to get warm in the winter of 1964, and shod and broke a lot of horses in the area before he went out to the old Lawton Champie Ranch in the Castle Hot Springs area, a place he grew to love more than any other. Ray resided in Aguila with his wife Doris. He loved working in his leather shop and spending time with Doris and their cats. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Perry and Leona Bates (Zavits) and brother Gale “Shorty.” He is survived by wife Doris, sisters Alleen Sherrill (Goodyear), Lee Amiro (Las Vegas, Nev.), brothers Robert Bates (Port Orchard, Wash.), Wayne Bates (St. Regis, Mont.), nephews Guy Bates (New River), Robby Bates (Washington), nieces Patsy (Phoenix), Sandra (Port Orchard, Wash.), Dianne (Goodyear), great-nephews Guyton, Colter, Doug, Galen, Robby, and Acie, great-nieces Molly and April, and many friends who loved him. Ray had a pre-funeral at Don’s Cactus Bar and Cafe in Salome one week before his death. There his family and closest friends gathered to pay tribute to a great man while he was able to enjoy it. It was a comfort to Ray. A memorial will be held at Aguila Community Bible Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday (April 14). For directions call 928-671-1914.