Dolores Beth (Helmick) Cates was born on February 24, 1973 in Garden City, Kansas. She passed away August 18, 2024 at age 51. Her parents were Charles and Judy (Harrison) Helmick. She was a lifelong and proud member of the Tyrone community, graduating as a Tyrone Bobcat. She took one year of schooling at Liberal area Vo-Tech. On October 3, 1992 she married Dennis Cates. He survives. Upon the birth of her first born and subsequent three children she became a homemaker. She was very proud of her children and there for them in every aspect of their lives. This transitioned ultimately to her grandchildren. After all mighty God, her children and her grandchildren were her life. Her thrills were a good book, a romance movie, and just being with friends and family. She was very loving and kind to animals. She and her husband fostered many animals in their life together especially cats. Many feral cats became tamed thanks to her love and compassion. A few months ago she started a new chapter in life with her husband when they took up residence in Beaver Oklahoma. He retired and they looked forward to the happy times together and they were that. Sadly though she succumbed to a short devastating illness. Preceding her in death were her parents, her brother James, her paternal grandfather Charles Helmick Jr, paternal grandmother Francis Miles, maternal grandparents Russell and Lucille Harrison, her father-in-law John L. Cates, her mother-in-law Cheley McAlister. Leaving to forever mourn are her mother-in-law, Edna McDonald of Vonore, Tennessee, brother Nathan Helmick (Yeny) of Beardstown, Illinois, Sister-in-law Jamie Helmick of Burlington Iowa, daughter Bessie Clark (Steven) of Louisville Tennessee, son Russell Cates (Eve) of Topeka, Kansas, son John Cates (Gracie) of Beaver Oklahoma, daughter Abby Fields (Tyler) of Clinton, Oklahoma, seven grandchildren Tyson Cates of Topeka, Elizabeth, Tobias, and Teddy Fields of Clinton, Ok, Thomas, Ezra, and Mariah Cates of Beaver, also her best friend Nyta Griffin (Levi) along with her honorary nephew and niece Joseph and Sarah Griffin of Tyrone, with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Graveside service will be held Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Tyrone Cemetery under the direction of Alan Clark Funeral Services.