Belva Jean Bates

She was born on November 29, 1937 in Pettit, Texas to Roy and Daisy (Keen) Warren, the baby of 12 children. She married her high school sweetheart, Homer Alton Bates, on October 12, 1957 in Springfield, Missouri. Together they had four children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. They were blessed with 55 beautiful years together in marriage.

She graduated from Dimmitt High School in 1956 and, after Homer’s army service was completed, they moved to Missouri to begin dairy farming. She truly married the love of her life and her best friend. Together they shared a wonderful life. They worked together, traveled together, and laughed together. They spent their time investing in their children’s lives and their community.

She loved to read, sew, bake, play games, garden, and plant beautiful flowers. She leaves many special memories of her loving investment in the lives of others: treasured time she spent reading to her children and grandchildren, the wonderful gifts her sewing machine created, the meals and baked treats enjoyed, the time spent together playing games, working outside together, sharing stories and conversation over coffee. She truly had a servant’s heart and loved to use her talents to bless others. She had a grateful spirit and always worked hard. She was an incredible role model to her family of faithfulness, commitment and unconditional love.

Belva was preceded in death by her husband, Homer; her parents Roy and Daisy; her brothers Loyce, Lewis, Lloyd, Odell, Bobby, and Maxie Warren; and her sisters Valetta Carter, Alyene Rawls, Mattie Mae Sheek and Ruby Howell; and her grandson, Aaron Bates. She is survived by her brother, Weldon; her son Jeff Bates, his wife Harriet and their children and grandchildren, Dylan (Erin), Tristan (Ryan) Colvard, Keenan, Jantzen, Aly, Avery and Tiernan and their families; daughter Becky Block, her husband Dan and their children Josh and Renae; daughter Jana Robison and her husband Don and their children Carly (Adam) Antor, Megan, Paige and Haley; daughter Kyla Dennison and her children Brandon and Cassy Groom.

A memorial service will be held on a date to be determined later.