Mrs. Cates was born Opal Lydia Kepler on Jan. 10, 1924, in Shawnee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C., in 2000.

Survivors include a son, Jim and wife Sherry of Salina; a daughter, Linda Sterrett and husband Larry of Derby; a brother, Edgar Kepler of Kansas City, Kan.; two sisters, Annabelle Sawyer of Wilson, N.C., and Elsie O'Connor of New York State; five grandchildren, Jenny Joy, Julie Cates, Carey Sterrett, Robin Cates and Rhett Joy; and three great-grandchildren, Macey Spauling, Carter Joy and Cole Joy.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at United Methodist Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush, Salina 67401. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.