Retha J. Bass

Retha J. Bass passed away Saturday, April 24, 2021. A Graveside Service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 1, at Coolidge Cemetery with Chaplain Curtis Holland officiating. Burial will follow. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 30, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Retha was born August 10, 1933, in Coolidge, Texas, to W.H. “Will” and Sarah Furlow. Retha graduated salutatorian from Coolidge High School. She then attended Baylor Nursing School at Hillcrest Hospital where she earned a degree as a surgical technician. She later joined the Air Force and served with the medical group at James Connally AFB in Waco. While at James Connally she met and married Charles, her husband of 67 years. After Charles’ retirement from the Air Force, they returned to Waco. She worked in various nursing capacities throughout her life. The last position she held was that of a surgical R.N. at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco for over 30 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, W.F. Furlow; and a sister, Martha Mueck. She is survived by her husband, Charles E. Bass; sons, John R. Bass and wife, Sydna, Charles E. Bass, Jr., and wife, Sandra, and Keith H. Bass and wife, Susan; and a daughter, Rebecca; four granddaughters, Carey Powell and her husband, Brandon, Sara Lichty and her husband, Erik, Graysen Bass and Barrett Bass; and four great grandsons, Hunter Powell, Hudson Powell, Mason Lichty and Lane Lichty. Charles and Retha also “adopted” 18 Baylor students, providing a home away from home during their time attending the university in Waco. Retha loved to travel and spend time with her family. She was also an avid bridge player. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodway First Baptist Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.