Belva Jean Bates

Belva Jean Bates went home to her Heavenly Father February 13, 2019. She was 81 years old. 
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; 6 brothers; 4 sisters; and grandson.

She is survived by her brother, Weldon, her son, Jeff Bates, her daughters, Becky Block, Jana Robison, Kyla Dennison, and their families.
A Memorial Service will be held on May 25, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Buffalo, Missouri.