Zay Steven Bates of Fruita died on May 6. He was 54.

Zay was born on May 28, 1953, to J. Jones and Ruby Bates in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was the youngest of three children.

Zay made his home in the mountains of Colorado and left his mark on his three children. He was a wonderful father who showed them that the sky is the limit and anything is possible.

He was an avid sports fan and loved to fish. He was also a member of the Fruita First Ward.

Survivors include sons Zay K. (Jamie) Bates of Fruita and Robert J. Bates of Fruita; daughter Mercedes Bates of Fruita; one granddaughter; mother, Ruby Bates, of Hemet, Calif.; sister Tina Housholder of Canyon Country, Calif.; brother Ronnie Bates of Hamer, Idaho.; and many friends.

Services will be held Saturday, May 10, at 1 p.m. at the Fruita First Ward.

Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.