Etta Jeanne Bates

Mrs. Etta Jeanne (Lamb) Bates
Sun City


Mrs. Etta Jeanne (Lamb) Bates, age 82, of Sun City, TX, passed away in Scott and White Hospital, Round Rock on October 18, 2010. She died in her sleep from a heart attack, but she had recently met her twin foe, Alzheimer Disease, with courage and grace. She was preceded in death by both 90+ year old parents: Inez and Huie Lamb, Sr., as well as her mother-in-law, Eva ("BoBo") Hughes and her sister-in-law, Betty Barnes. Etta lost her husband and soulmate, Gene Ray Bates in May 1994.
She was born on October 26, 1927 in Abilene, TX to Inez and Huie Henry Lamb, Sr. She married Gene Ray Bates on December 23, 1948, in Wichita Falls, TX and embarked on a grand adventure as a Texaco "oil couple" in Maysville, OK. Etta was a loving and devoted wife, mother and cherished friend.
Etta and Gene lived in several Oklahoma towns, and the Wichita, Kansas, before they moved to Duri, on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. In her role of homemaker and wife of the supervisor of an "oil camp" (initially Duri and later Rumbai), Etta was committed and diligent. Her caring nature and delightful sense of humor helped her family, friends and acquaintances endure the unsettling times of the 1966 Communist coup d'etat attempt of Indonesia.
In 1968, Etta and family returned to the United States, where they lived variously in Abilene, TX; Houston, TX: Wilton, CT; Coral Gables, FL; and Harbour Ridge, FL. After Gene died, Etta returned to Abilene, TX to care for her mother. Both Etta and Inez moved to Sun City-Georgetown, TX in 1997.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Ann Bates of Seattle, WA; brother, Huie Lamb, Jr. and his wife Doris of Austin, TX; and brother-in-law, John ("Johnny") Craft Barnes and second wife Dawn of Oglesby, TX.
Nieces and nephews on the Lamb side are: Claudia Lamb and husband Louis Van Os; Denise Lamb Pegoda and husband Gary; Gary Lamb and wife Teresa; Susan Lamb and partner Dan; and Brian Lamb. On the Barnes side, they are: Debbie Williams and husband Sandy and Darrell Barnes and wife Brenda.
Her great nieces and nephews on the Lamb side include: Clay Lamb and wife Ashley; Andrew Pegoda; Ryann Lamb; Taylor Lamb; and Jennifer Lamb. On the Barnes side they include: Michelle (Williams) Fielder and husband Billy and daughter Reagan; John (previously "Little John") Williams; Wayne Barnes; and Rachel Barnes.
She will also be missed by her dear friends including "Neighborhood Six", who made her last 13 years so sweet. Her touchstones were the ever constant Frances Cree and Larry Levis; Bonnie and Jim Anderson; her advisor, George Lehach; her hairdresser, Pat Guess; and her housekeeper, Susan Smith.
There are not enough words to thank her many healthcare providers and caregivers, who eased Etta's journey during her last two-and-a half years. Among them were; Austin's Seton Hospital; Heart Hospital of Austin; Scott and White Sun City Clinic; S&W Hospitals in Temple and Round Rock; St. David's Georgetown Hospital; Austin Gastroenterologists; Scott and White Hospice; Texas Home Health; and Brightstar.
A celebration of her life will be held as a later date in November (to be announced).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Caring Place, Habitat for Humanity, or to the donor's favorite charity.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive,
Georgetown, Texas 78628 (512)863-2564.