Betty Jean Bass

Betty Jean Bass, 92, passed away at her home in Arlington, TX, on July 3^rd, 2023. She was born to RB and Hellen Sallie Gardner on January 1^st, 1931, in Prairie Hill, Texas.

Betty grew up in Blooming Grove, Texas and graduated from Blooming Grove High School in 1949. She married John W. “Dub” Fredrick, a Navy Seabees WWII Veteran. After Betty graduated, the two went to Dallas, Texas to begin a family.  Their first child, Sherry, was born on August 3^rd, 1950. Their son, Gordon, was born March 11^th, 1954, a few years later. Many people remarked their perfect family was reminiscent of the Cleaver family from the 1950s television series "The Beaver". She would come home from work and cook dinner in her high-heels and there was seldom a cross word spoken. Brothers and sisters always knew that they were welcome to visit, or stay with the family while looking for work, or to have a home away from home while they adjusted to city life.

After Sherry and Gordon were grown and married, Betty and Dub were divorced. This is when she met Don Bass, whom she later wed in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The pair would go on numerous adventures together, taking part in boating, horse races, gambling, and especially traveling. They traveled to places like Hawaii, Las Vegas, and even India and Europe during their trips. When not traveling, they enjoyed entertaining and hosting dinner parties together. Betty and Don had seven happy years together before he passed away in 1986. After Don’s death, Betty’s oldest grandchild, Cristi, moved in with her to keep her from getting lonely.

Betty’s professional and personal lives were equally varied. At age six, she began picking cotton, and continued doing so until she was married. After relocating to Dallas, she worked in different positions for companies such as: Blue Cross, LTV, International Harvester, Volks Brothers and eventually retired from The University of Texas at Arlington after 25 years as a Data Entry Supervisor at the age of 57. After retiring, she decided to keep herself busy by starting her own business and purchased Arnold’s Floral Shop. She went to floral school and studied design and wedding consulting. After a few years, she sold the business and worked part time with her dear friend Bonnie Dowdy at Bloxom Foundation into her 80’s.

Betty had a very fulfilling and exciting life. She constantly made an effort to make sure people had fun while living life. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who was adored by all. She lived by the motto, “Have Fun!”

Betty was preceded in death by her parents RB and Helen Sallie Gardner; five brothers Jerry Paul Gardner, Kenneth Gardner, RB Gardner Jr, Alton Gardner, and Buddy Gardner; two sisters Barbara Jane Kirby, Jo Koester; stepsons Benny and Berry Bass.

Betty is survived by her daughter Sherry and her husband Leonard Livingston; son Gordon and his wife Kathy Frederick; grandchildren Cristi Gilcrease, Tiffany and her husband Brad Granderson, Jeremy McDowell, Jason and his wife Sophie Frederick; great-grandchildren Meagan Sims, Madeleine and her husband Dylan Richardson, Chance McDowell, Emma Granderson, Drew Granderson; many great great grandchildren and her nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be held at Emerald Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 500 Kennedale Sublett Rd, Kennedale, TX. 76060 from 5-7pm July 7, 2023.  A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at 1:00pm July 8, 2023 and graveside services will follow at Emerald Hills Cemetery.