Obituaries

Helen Bates, 75, of Big Spring, died Friday, January 29, 2010 at the Hospice House in Odessa.  The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Monday at Myers & Smith Funeral Home.  Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday at Mount Olive Memorial Park Chapel.

She was born June 4, 1934 to Ruby and Chester Payton Altom in Ira, Texas.  She graduated from Monahans High School.  She lived in Big Spring for 60 years.  She was a Baptist and a Christian who loved the Lord and it was shown by her love for family and friends.  She married D. R. Bates on December 16, 1955 in Big Spring.  She and her husband farmed on the family farm.  The farm has been in the family since 1924 and has been worked by six generations.  She worked for the Agriculture Conservation Stabilization Service for 25 years which is now called Farm Service Agency.

She is survived by two daughters:  Donna Whetsel and her husband Marty of Forsan; Diane McLemore and her husband Jeff of Greenwood; son-in-law Tim Spivey of Big Spring; seven grandchildren: Chris Spivey and his wife Jana; Mike Spivey and his wife Lyndi; Dana Spivey; all of Big Spring; Daniel Whetsel and his wife Christina of San Angelo; Stephanie Pitchford and her husband Matt of Weatherford; Heather McLemore of Midland; Josh McLemore of Greenwood; nine great grandchildren: Devin Spivey, Jacob Spivey, Brady Spivey and Jackson Spivey all of Big Spring; Hagan Pitchford, Madison Grace Pitchford and Avery Dawn Pitchford all of Weatherford, Taryn Spivey and  Jayce Spivey of Big Spring; one sister-in-law: Velda Hamilton and her husband Calvin of Big Spring.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter Debbie Spivey, one brother Melvin Altom and one sister Flo Carrell.

Pallbearers will be Mike Spivey, Chris Spivey, Daniel Whetsel, Matt Pitchford, Josh McLemore and Devin Spivey.

Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home.  Pay your respects online at www.myersandsmith.com