Memorials › Betty Jean Prda Bates
Betty Jean Prda Bates
5 Aug 1936 – 13 Oct 2023
| Birth | 5 Aug 1936 |
| Death | 13 Oct 2023 |
| Cemetery | Crisp Cemetery Crisp , Ellis County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | Judy Evans on 17 Oct 2023 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/260731623 |
Bio
Betty Jean Bates August 5, 1936 - October 13, 2023 Betty Jean "Prda" Bates went peacefully to be with her savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 13, 2023, at Bluebonnet "IOOF" Nursing Home and reunited with all her loved ones that had gone on before her. Betty was born August 5, 1936, in Grays Prairie, TX. Her family migrated here from Czechoslovakia to the harbors of New York where they quickly moved to Texas. They were poor, but they were rich in love and taught their children the value of a hard day's work. Betty's little hands were used to pick cotton and do chores around their farm. Only after all the work was done, was she allowed to attend school. Her family loved to listen to her stories and tales of antics as a child with her two sisters, Agnes, and Pauline. Betty was a teenager when she married the love of her life James Bates on October 21, 1954. When asked what their favorite thing to do for fun was, we were told they liked to ride around in James' car and chew gum. It wasn't hard to make Betty happy. She was a simple and humble woman full of love for everyone! She and James remained married for over 50 years until he was called Home in January of 2013. Surely there was a great reunion in Heaven. Betty and James made their home in Ennis where they raised their three children, Linda, Keith, and Tina. She was a hardworking mama. She worked at Ennis Automotive for almost 50 years when she retired. Betty was a very nourishing person and would give you her last penny if you needed it. She worked very hard at her job only to come home to raise farm animals, a fresh vegetable garden and the most beautiful roses you have ever seen. Even after all her work, she still made sure her family had a "meat and potatoes" meal every night. For years she delivered homemade butter milk pancakes every Sunday morning to the homes of her family. Betty loved to hang out with her sisters. They'd pick each other up in their cars and travel all over Texas sightseeing or visiting their relatives. She was also a stellar Chicken Foot Player and enjoyed playing with her family especially with her sweet niece, Barbara Delaney and her Prda family who would visit from New Mexico. Her idea of an exciting Friday night was to go eat at Taco Bell or Wendy's and her Saturdays were filled with chores and enjoying Polka music while Sunday was for the Lord where you would find her at her church. Betty's most favorite role was that of a grandmother. All her grandbabies lovingly called her Nanny. She babysat for many years, and they called her Nanny as well. She had lots of "bonus babies" that adored her. We will miss Nanny so much. We loved her for her gentleness, loving hugs, and fervent prayers for us. She knew no strangers and even if it was the first time you met her, she would ask for a hug. Betty is survived by her children, Linda Bates Widner. Keith Bates and wife Cristina. Tina Bates Donahoo and husband Bill. Her grandchildren, Natasha Walker & husband Matt. Eric Ortiz and wife Mari. Heather Donahoo and husband Xaviar. Billy Donahoo, Tyler Widner and Christopher Bates along with several great grandchildren. Sisters-in-law, Jeanette Bates, and Mae Pearl Prda. Several beloved nieces and nephews and bonus babies. Those that met her at the gates of Heaven were her beloved husband, James Bates. Parents, Paul and Mary Cech Prda. Sisters, Pauline Novy and husband, Eddie. Agnes Prda. Mary Kirby and husband, Lloyd. Brothers, Adolf Prda and wife Leona. George Prda. Stanley Prda and wife, Joyce. A granddaughter Shelly Clary Duran. Great grandson, Alex and several brothers and sisters in law. The viewing will be Wednesday, October 18th from 6 pm – 8 pm at J. E. Keever Mortuary, 408 N. Dallas Street, Ennis, Texas. The celebration of life will be held at 10 am Thursday, October 19th at J. E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis. Services will be conducted by her son, Keith Bates assisted by her nephew, Floyd Earl Bates and Grandson, Pastor, Matt Walker. Those who are honored to be her Pallbearers are grandsons Eric Ortiz, Billy Donahoo, Tyler Widner, Christopher Bates, Levi Walker and nephew, Jeremy Featherston. Submitted by family
Photos
Family
Parents
Spouse
Siblings
- Rudolph Adolph Prda 1915–1989
- Stanley Jerry Prda 1917–1994
- Mary Frances Prda Kirby 1919–2001
- George Stanley Prda 1921–1998
- Pauline Ann Prda Novy 1931–2019
- Agnes F Prda 1933–2014
Export GEDCOM
This person only · Entire connected family