Flossie Medford Bates

On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Flossie Laverne Bates, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She was ninety years old. Born to Zora and Guinn Medford in Haskell County on January 13, 1933, she had one brother, Bobby, and was married to Charles Bates for 64 years before his passing in 2016.

She graduated from Haskell High School in 1950 and retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1988. She loved to sew, cross stitch, and travel. She also loved watching sports, especially football and girls' basketball. She loved God and going to church; and was a long-time member of Eastside Baptist Church in Haskell, Texas. She was a homemaker and loving mother of four children, twelve grandchildren, and twenty-eight great grandchildren.

Flossie had an independent nature and generous spirit. She had a great sense of humor and attention to detail. She was loved by everyone who met her and she showed grace and strength as her health declined. She was a true representation of a godly woman and will be missed by many. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, and granddaughter, Cristi Bates. In addition to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, she is survived by her son, Randy Bates and his wife Kathy of Granbury, Texas; her son Terry Bates and his wife Pam of Jacksonville, Texas; her daughter Cynthia O'Donnell and her husband Rusty of Stanton, Texas; and her daughter Michelle Ray and her husband Stan of McKinney, Texas.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 27, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home in Haskell, Texas. The graveside service will be held on Monday, August 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Howard cemetery in Paint Creek, Texas, under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Haskell.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.