Carrol Fae Bates

Carrol Fae Bates, born on July 26, 1923, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025. She was 101 years old.

Carrol was an only child, born and raised in California. In 1948, she married Ernest Bates, and together they built a life in Fresno before relocating to Santa Cruz in the early 1950s. The couple had three children: Marel (Bud) Bates, Donna Bates Crosse Wynn, and James (Jim) Bates. After being widowed in 1970, Carrol moved to Capitola after her nest emptied to redefine herself but continued to create a warm and loving home for her family to come back to.

After the passing of her husband, Carrol began working seasonally and on weekends at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. She remained there for two to three decades, becoming a familiar face to many in the community. She also gave back by volunteering at the local senior center, where she ran the kitchen for their pancake breakfasts. A dedicated caregiver, she lovingly tended to her mother until her passing in 1993.

Carrol found joy in simple pleasures-reading books, traveling to new places, and doting on her cats. A member of the Eastern Star organization, she lived by its values of kindness and service. She created many works of art with her sewing machine and her needle and volunteered her time to sew for charities. She was active long into her later years, walking miles into her eighties. Known for her gentle spirit, Carrol always made time to smell the roses, pet animals, and coo at babies..

Carrol was a devoted grandmother to Kathleen (Katy), Kymbr, Jennifer, Michael (Kael), and Marilyn. She also cherished her six great-grandchildren. Her family brought her immense joy throughout her long life.

A memorial will be held February 12, 2025 from 3pm-7pm at: 334 13th Ave. in Santa Cruz to honor Carrol's remarkable life. Come share memories and sympathies. Donations to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter can be made in her name in lieu of flowers. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Published in Good Times · February 10, 2025