Barbara Jo Bates Memorial Fund

On July 31st, our mother (Barbie) realized that she could no longer make short distances without suffering severe breathing problems. My sister Lyrissa admitted her to St. David's Emergency Room in Austin, TX where she was admitted.

On August 10th, the Pulminary Doctor called my phone, suggesting we might want to get down to Texas right away. We left Oklahoma on a Greyhound Bus 2 days later.

On August 12th, Mom was admitted to ICU and placed on a BiPAP machine which provided her with 100% oxygen while she continued to fight to get better. She participated in Physical Therapy and forced herself to eat, even when she didn't think she could. We stayed by her side and fought with her every step of the way.

On August 19th, shortly after a visit from her older brother, she was placed on life support. Despite Mom's best efforts, her health continued to decline.

On August 21st, we came to the difficult decision to set her free of all those machines and drugs. We held her hand and played her favorite songs and told some of our favorite stories as she peacefully slipped away. It was devastating. Unexpected. Unfair. She was all of our very best friend. She was playing Skip Bo a week ago. How did we get here?

I digress. I apologize. We have been blessed with great family and friends who have been so supportive, both financially and emotionally. We can't begin to express our gratitude to them.

We want to lay our rockin' mama to rest the way she deserved. She fought so hard her whole life and never got a break. Anything helps, even if it's just a share. We love you all. Barbie loved you all.

We are currently planning her service and will have more details soon.

The Bates Clan