Beulah May Higgins Bates

Beulah Higgins Bates went to her home in Heaven January 20, 2016 in Visalia, CA. She was born in Stroud, Oklahoma on December 11, 1913 to Will and Nannie Root. In 1920 Beulah’s mother passed away. In 1929 she and her family moved to California and settled in Delano. In 1930 Beulah met Charles Higgins and they were married. They had two sons, Billy and Donald. They lived in Delano for Fifty years. While they were there they were both active in the Assembly of God Church for Forty-Six years. Charles taught Sunday school and Beulah was in the music department playing the piano and singing in a ladies trio for many years. She was also in Women’s Ministries. Beulah loved to do handwork, making beautiful quilts and pillows for family and friends. She enjoyed taking care of her family and her home and going to church. They moved to Visalia in 1980 and Charles passed away in 1982 after being married fifty-one years. In 1983 Beulah married Cecil Bates. He passed away in 1997. She attended the Visalia Assembly of God Church were she helped with playing the piano for the Convalescent Homes Ministry for a few years.

She was preceded in death by Will and Nannie Root; first husband Charles Higgins; second husband Cecil Bates, and son Dr. Donald Higgins; grand-daughter Jennifer Higgins; her sisters, Daisy Kidwell, Opal Smothers, Viola Mooney, brother Ernest Root and daughter-in-law Claudena Higgins and numerous dear relatives and friends.

Beulah is survived by son Bill Higgins and wife Charline, daughter-in-law Sheri Higgins; five grandchildren, Nancy Smith and husband Peter, Jeff Higgins and wife Debra, Sterling Higgins and wife Julie, Darin Higgins, Andrea Nitsch and husband Jerry; four step grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and twelve great-great grandchildren. Beulah had been attending the traditional service at The Heart of the Valley Christian Fellowship for several years.

The family would like all those who provided loving care to Beulah at Kaweah Manor Convalescent Home with a special thank you to Dr. John Coffey and Becky.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 1 pm at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Heart of the Valley Christian Fellowship Church, 2800 W. Walnut Ave. Visalia, CA 93277.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 West Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.