Celeste Bales

Celeste Bales, affectionately known by her Filipino family as “Ate’ Leste,” was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished member of her family. She will be remembered for her caring heart, her love of family, and the many simple moments she shared with those she loved.

Celeste had a deep appreciation for gardening, crocheting, crafts, and working in her greenhouse. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and found great joy in caring for the things she grew. Her passion for gardening was also reflected in her many years at Shults Greenhouse, where she worked from 1983 until 2020 and helped run the business.

Family was at the center of Celeste’s life. She treasured family gatherings and especially enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays together. Her home was a place where family could gather, share a meal, and make memories. She was also known for her cooking, with favorites including adobo, lumpia, pancit and so many of the dishes she lovingly prepared for her family.

Celeste was united in marriage to Donald D. Bales on July 31, 1982, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Together, they shared many years of marriage and family life.

She is survived by her husband, Donald D. Bales of Hot Springs, Arkansas; her children, Divina Grace Fitch and husband G. Allen Fitch of Russellville, Arkansas; Jerald D. Bales and wife Rebecca Bales of Russellville, Arkansas; and Josylie Bramlett and husband Joseph Bramlett of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

She is also survived by her siblings, Lynee (Ramito) Miraballes, Domingo Jr. (josie) Velasco, Rosylie (Reymundo) Castuera, Rodrigo (Flora) Velasco, Catherine (Reynaldo) Romulo, Cristanto (Yolanda) Velasco, Nerissa (Nestor) Narvaez, Emillo (Lina) Velasco, Jaime (Marilyn) Velasco, Elena (Alfredo) Magdaong, Ronilo (Maria Lyn) Velasco, and sister in law Mary Jane Bales as well as many other family members from the Philippines, in Arkansas, and in Oklahoma.

And, finally by her grandchildren, Harold Daniel Labbe and wife Emma Labbe of Rome, Maine; Mary Ellen Labbe of Little Rock, Arkansas; Averyella Jane Bales of Russellville, Arkansas; Malia Dawn Bramlett of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Dominic E. Bramlett of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Celeste was preceded in death by her mother, Efepania M. Velasco; her father, Domingo Velasco; her brother Gerald Dean Velasco; and her in-laws, Maxine (Kenneth) Hinkle, Clausine (Susan) Bales, Otis Bales, and Jimmy (Bonnie) Bales.

Celeste's greatest joy was her family. The memories created around family gatherings, holidays, birthdays, meals, and everyday moments will remain treasured by all who knew and loved her. Her love, kindness, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

There will not be an official visitation or service for the public. Family and friends may contact her children directly.