W J Bates

Debbie's Uncle WJ (brother to Debbie's Mom who died last May) passed away this week in Hugo Oklahoma. He was six weeks from his 81st birthday. His memorial service was Sunday afternoon at the Clayton Ave Baptist Church in Hugo.

Debbie has a very large extended family in this area, and even more who have moved away to other areas. Many of them were at the family get-together Saturday evening and I got to meet several of Debbie's relatives for the first time. Maybe later I'll be able to post a few pictures for you.

I don't know anyone who really "enjoys" going to funerals. It's a time to honor the friend or relative who died. It would probably be even better to show that honor while they are still living. I think Debbie did that well for WJ. During that time last spring when Debbie's Mom was so ill, WJ would go to her house and cultivate, plant and work her garden, just in case she got to come back and enjoy it.