Martha A. Bates

Martha Ann Bates, of Hot Springs, died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018.

She was born Aug. 2, 1934, to Lawson and Oma (Weston) McBride.

Martha would say, “I choose to be happy or unhappy this day. I choose to be happy.” This countenance took her in many directions and she touched many lives. A lifetime member of First Pentecostal Church, she taught Sunday school for many years and sang in the choir until her death. Martha was active in school affairs and was PTA president at Cutter Morning Star School. She went on to serve as council president, district director and was given the Life Membership Award. Martha served in various offices on the local and district levels of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-7. She was awarded one of only two national awards for Outstanding Women Auxiliarists.

Martha was a member of the National Storytellers Association. She would almost pay you to get to tell stories to children. Martha was known as “The Voice of ABT/Regions,” where she worked for 34 years. During this time, she was chosen as Outstanding Employee and received the very first Chairman’s Choice Award. Martha loved her customers and banking family. She enjoyed boating on the local lakes, taking cruises and traveling to see God’s beautiful world.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Ray Bates; and sister, Alene Plummer.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Winford Bates; daughter, Teresa Jarrell (Tim), of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Jared Jarrell, Jordanne Booth (Bille), Justin Jarrell; great-grandson, Decker Booth; brother, Chet McBride (Vicky), of Little Rock; and many nieces and nephews. Her family was the love of her life here on earth.

Visitation was 6-8 p.m. Friday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be 10 a.m. today at First Pentecostal Church.

Burial will follow at Morning Star Cemetery.

Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.