Bette Nell Bird Block passed peacefully on July 28, 2023 at the age of 91. She was born in Thorndale, Texas on January 6, 1932, the daughter of Jim Jenkins and Julia Slama Bird, and the youngest of three children. (Siblings Wilbur Bird and Lois Cooper). Her early years were spent on a farm near Caldwell, Texas, with train tracks running past about 30 yards from her home. There, she would wait and wave to a passing train engineer who would always wave back, and eventually toss packages off the train with small gifts, thrilling a young girl.
Bette attended Austin High School, living with her older sister’s family while her Mom and Dad moved with JJ’s railroad employment to Del Rio, Texas. Upon graduation, Bette moved to Del Rio with her parents, played softball, and met Walter H. Block. They soon eloped and were married for 74 years. She is survived by husband Walter H. Block (who passed four days later), two children, Dulce Ann “Candy” Graf and W. Wayne Block, their children’s spouses, David Graf, and Chelleye Block respectively, as well as seven grandchildren (Ben Graf, Will Graf, Luke Graf, Allison Trammell, Michael Block, Austin Block, and Weston Block), eight great grandchildren, and a wonderful extended family.
Most of Bette’s working life was in the personnel department of Del Rio ISD and San Felipe Del Rio CISD. She also served as Treasurer at St. James Episcopal Church and was an active member. She was a faithful exerciser, jogging and enjoying dance aerobics as long as her body allowed, and she loved football, especially those Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. Spending time with her children, and grandchildren were treasured moments. She often said, “If we had known grandchildren would have been this awesome, we would have had them first!”
Special thanks is extended to the doctors and nurses at Superior Hospice, and the caring staff of Southwest Assisted Living.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association, The Alzheimer’s Association, St. James Episcopal Church, or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service for Bette and Walter Block will be at St. James Episcopal Church on Saturday, August 12, at 10:30 am.
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