ILION - Mary Sharon Bates, 68, of Ilion, was granted her angel wings on Sunday morning, June 14, 2020, around 7:00 AM. Her final days were spent at the Grand at Mohawk Valley always surrounded by beloved family. Mary was born on June 18, 1951, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Army Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Mary Louise Malone (Allsop) and Harry Dewey Malone. Mary previously worked in the laundry facility at Little Falls Hospital and then went on to work for the Herkimer Sewing Center at Duofold, in Ilion. Mary is survived by her daughters, Pamela Downs, of Herkimer, Marilyn Downs, of Ilion and Sharon Garofalo, of Whitesboro; grandchildren, Amanda Downs and Chett Downs and spouse, Kymber (Herkimer), Christopher Latt, (Ilion) and Johnny and Ashely Garofalo; great-grandson, Jonathan Sawicki (Long Island, New York); her sister, Barbara Jean Malone, of Florida; her brother, James Patrick Malone, of Florida; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded by a brother, Robert Allan Malone and is also survived by her ex-husband and good friend, James Downs, of Ilion. A graveside service for Mary will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at 11 a.m., in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion, New York, with Pastor Chris Wintermute, officiating. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at the Grand of Mohawk Valley, for their compassion and exceptional care that she has received and for the support that you have given them during this tough time. The family has worked with the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, at 4309 Acme Road, in Ilion, New York (Town of Frankfort) to secure all arrangements, Funeral Directors Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia (315) 894-8000.