Ardys Mae (Matsen) Bates, 94, passed away on June 27, 2017 in Kennewick, Washington. She was born on August 13, 1922 in Goldendale, WA to Bickleton, WA pioneers Soren Matsen and Lulu (Jackson) Matsen. She attended school in Bickleton into the third grade when the family moved to Wapato, WA to start a car dealership. She graduated from Wapato High School in 1940 and attended WSU (WSC then) until World War II began and had to move back home. In 1942 Ardys met a handsome young soldier named John Bates who was stationed at the Yakima, WA Firing Center and they were married six weeks later. They had three boys, Robert, Richard and Edward. Ardys had a varied career as office staff and retired in 1975 as receptionist for Dr. H.J. Ellner. After retiring John and Ardys spent many winters in their RV down in the southwest desert, which they enjoyed very much and made many friends that lasted through the years. After a long marriage, they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in May 2008 but in June of 2008 John passed way. She had a tremendous sense of humor and didn't even realize it but kept her boys in stitches and they always knew they had the world's greatest mom. We want to send special thanks to Doreen and Angela for their compassionate care of their mother over the past few years. Thanks also to the staff at Hospice for their help and support. It seems inadequate but she will be very much missed by all of her family and friends. Ardys was preceded in death by her parents, Soren & Lulu Matsen, sister Laurine Heald, and brother Donald Matsen. Ardys is survived by her three sons, Robert and Lori of Salem, OR; Richard & Kathy of Kennewick, WA; Edward and Joyce also of Kennewick, WA; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, and nephews. Graveside services will be held Monday, July 3, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 10th and Union Street, Kennewick with viewing at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, adjacent to the cemetery, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.