Bettie Bates

Bettie Jane (Jackson) Bates, 86, died peacefully in Graham on Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Mrs. Bates was born November 23, 1927 in Big Spring to Frank and Clara (Hite) Jackson. She graduated from Odessa High School and attended Harris School of Nursing in Ft. Worth before marrying Thomas Pat Bates in Odessa on September 29, 1945. After WWII she worked so that Pat and his brother, Foy could earn their college degrees under the GI Bill.

She was a dearly loved wife and mother, dedicated homemaker, Christian and friend to all those who knew her. She and Pat lived in Odessa, Ft. Stockton, San Angelo, Jacksboro, Arlington and Lake Graham, where they chose to retire in 1975. Their home became the favorite gathering place for the entire family for almost 40 years. Every child and grandchild has special memories of summer days with Pat and Bettie at the lake.

She belonged to the First Unites Methodist Church, where she was a Samaritan and member of the Open Bible Sunday School Class.

Bettie was preceded in death by her husband Pat in 2001, her brothers Robert and Gene Jackson and her sister Patsy Pannell.

She is survived by her five children, two daughters, Mary Gentry and husband Tom, Cynthia Hudson and husband Kelley, both of Graham. Her three sons include Don Bates and wife Jimi, of Graham and Mike Bates and wife Karen, and Randy Bates and wife Missy, both of Monahans. She is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Morris and Foy Bates of Odessa. She will be especially missed by her 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and Max who was always by her side.

Family visitation will be held Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

As a remembrance of her lifelong love for animals, the family suggests that tributes be sent to the Humane Society of Young County.