Ellen Cates

Ellen Jane Cates, 92, formerly of Lake Quivira, Kansas, died Friday, October 26, 2018, in her home.  A funeral service will be held at Overland Park Lutheran Church, 7810 W. 79th Street, on Saturday,  November 3, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., with time set aside for visitation and viewing from noon until 1:00 p.m.    A private burial will follow the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas University Endowment--Joseph A. Cates Pulmonary Research, or Overland Park Lutheran Church.

Jane was born on October 6, 1926 in Kansas City, Missouri to Frank B. Speck and Lillian G. Speck.  She married Joseph A. Cates on December 23, 1945, and they raised their children, Dan and Nancy in Overland Park, Kansas.  Jane truly was an angel placed here on earth.  She loved her family, her home and her garden.  She was an avid sports fan, cheering both for the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas Jayhawk basketball team.  Jane and Joe worked together to build Cates Sheet Metal Industries until their retirement in 1996. Afterwards, much of her spare time was devoted to church sponsored charity events for the needy.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and her son, Dan.  She is survived by her daughter Nancy Cates, of Friday Harbor, Washington, two grandchildren, Carson Cates of Lenexa and Shannon Julian of Olathe, and five great-grandchildren, Justin, Cassidy, Tyler, Elise and Evan.   She will be missed greatly by all.