Gorda Bell Baten's Obituary
Gorda Bell (Miller) Baten born June 19, 1928 in Watova, Oklahoma; Died on October 30, 2016, 4:45 AM in Cedar Park, TX. She reached 88 years, 3 months, 11 days. Preceded in death are Gorda’s parents, Lee and Mary Miller; sisters and brother, Golda Mae Stewart, Rosa Lee Bigham, OJ. Miller; husband Raymond Leo Baten of 61 years, and son, Raymond Leo Baten, Jr. Gorda is survived by daughter, Joyce Hodges and son-in-law, Joel Hodges; grandson, Joel Raymond Hodges and his wife, Michelle Lee Hodges; granddaughter Jessica Dawn Daniel and her husband David Ralph Daniel; three great-grandsons: Jordan Joseph, Gabriel William and Michael Isaiah Daniel; and one great-granddaughter: Coraline Elise Hodges. Gorda is also survived by her brothers and sister: Paul Miller, David Miller, Pat Crocker-Scott. Gorda accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior on April 16, 1937 and was baptized on April 18th at First Baptist Church in Pampa. Gorda graduated from high school in Pampa, TX. in 1946. She graduated from Wayland Baptist University with an Associate in Arts Degree, 1948. Gorda and Raymond were married June 19, 1952 in Pampa. She worked as an Administrative Assistant in several oil companies in Pampa, TX. After moving to Dallas, Gorda enjoyed a thirty-year career with Arrow Foods Industry as Executive Assistant to the company’s President and also as Corporate Risk Manager. Gorda and Raymond enjoyed international travel to 15 countries. Gorda was adventuresome in traveling to China and Israel on her own with tour groups. Gorda rode camels in Egypt and Israel. She went parasailing in Hawaii. Gorda and Raymond traveled the U.S. extensively on vacations visiting family and experiencing adventures along the way. She would try things – overcoming her great fear of water and trying to learn how to float in the pool with Joyce in Acapulco although she never learned how to swim. She didn’t like to fish with Dad, but she fried some great fish after he brought them home. Gorda enjoyed learning new computer skills. She used her talents as ministries: singing in church choirs, and her administrative gifts as church treasurer. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and singing songs at family gatherings during holidays. She loved seeing her great grandchildren frequently after she moved to Cedar Park. Gorda had other attributes – extreme work ethic, strived to be perfect in her work. She showed her love by doing things for others and sacrificing on their behalf (buying Joyce a piano and provided ten years of piano lessons). Her work mantra was lIWork like a horse, think like a man and act like a lady; and, always ensure your lipstick is on!” Gorda always stuck by the rules. Some of her favorite sayings were “It’s not practical”, “Get three bids”, and “double check your work.” Gorda attained the goal of repaying her Father for her entire college education. From Joyce: Mom had the same praise every week at the Bible study I led at Always Home – “l’m one day closer to Heaven.” When we sang “He lives” at Bible study, she said, I love this song!” Stephen Baten (Alabama) said she loved playing games at the Baten reunion in Arkansas and was very competitive . Gorda’s love of family and zest for life will be greatly missed. Visitation for Gorda Baten will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Restland Funeral Home. Service for Gorda will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 3, 2016 in The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Graveside service immediately following at Restland.
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