Mrs. Bessie Mae Miller Cates, 70, of Mexia passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2007, at her residence. She was born December 7, 1936 to Clifton and Fannie Mae Lafitte Miller. Mrs. Cates was one of the first stars of the Louisiana Hay Ride in the mid 1950's. She had worked as a secretary and had also been employed at the Mexia State School. Family was the biggest part of her life, and she was a loving mother and grandmother. Mrs. Cates was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Nita Lynn Baust, and by her sister, Mary Miller. She is survived by her husband, Robert Bruce Cates, her children, Christy Beldin of Mexia, Sheila Isbell of Ringgold, LA, and Carla Barber of Mexia, Step Daughter, Robbi Cates. Also 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren , 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services will be 2 pm Friday, Feb. 16, 2007 at the Blair-Stubbs funeral home chapel with the Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow in the LaSalle cemetery. Pallbearers will be Stephen Isbell, Sr., Brian Beldin, Danny Beldin II, Stephen Isbell, Jr., Chad Darden and Johnthon Darden. Visitation with the family will be Thursday evening from 6 to 8 at the funeral home.