Margaret Joan Bales

With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of our mother, Margaret Joan Bales (née Kerley), on June 4, 2026. Margaret was born in Dallas, Texas on February 27, 1933 to Malcolm and Margaret Kerley.

A woman of extraordinary beauty, strength and grace, Margaret loved the Lord and her family above all things. Known affectionately as “Tweets” by John, her soulmate and late husband of 63 years, Margaret lived a life of adventure as the wife of a USAF fighter pilot. She was a model of quiet strength and determination, shouldering the responsibility of single-parenting their four children when John was often away on military assignment, including a year-long tour of duty in Vietnam. If she was ever overwhelmed or lonely during that season, her children never knew it. She remained steadfast in her presence and her care. She was unflappable.

Margaret poured herself into making a warm and loving home, taking great pride in creating beauty in all aspects of her life. From her exceptional cooking to her elegant flower arrangements and home décor, she was admired for her sense of style. Margaret adored makeup and should have owned stock in L’Oréal, Lancôme, and Estée Lauder! She never left the house without looking impeccable from head to toe.

Margaret loved hosting friends and family, traveling the world, savoring a glass of red wine, and, in later life, playing Mahjong weekly with friends.

She was proud and she was resilient. She was one of a kind, and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her sister, Annette Dow, of Austin, Texas, and her four loving children, Malcolm Bales (Betsy), Karen House, Lisa Edmonds, and Andrew Bales (Nancy).

Lovingly known as Ma-Ma by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Margaret leaves a beautiful legacy that they will carry forward. Her grandchildren are Shannon Morrison (Josh), Sarah Mikkelsen (Emil), Brigid Pitts (Joey), Kelly Prince (Dan), Patrick Bales (Emma), Amy Madore, David House (Sarah), Laura Chase (Alex), Jeff House (Ajna), John Edmonds (Amanda), Courtney Morgan (Travis), Melissa Edmonds, John Andrew Bales (Caitlyn), Stephen Bales, Dani Bales, Molly Pitts, Charlie Pitts, James Pitts, Josephine Pitts, and Henry Pitts.

The blessings continue with her sweet great-grandchildren, Audrey Morrison, Clark Morrison, Elle Morrison, Alex Morrison, Margot Morrison, Nina Mikkelsen, Juliette Madore, James House, Charlotte House, Alexandria House, Jonah Chase, Luka House, Riley Edmonds, Roxanne Roye, Kristopher Edmonds, Rebecca Edmonds, Hannah Edmonds, Grayson Morgan, Wyatt Morgan, Nolan Morgan, Brooklyn Edmonds, Everley Bales, Timothy A. Bales, David Bales, Abby Prince, Birdie Bales, and Frankie Bales.

She will be missed dearly by her nephews, Matt Dow (Lisa), Greg Dow (Sharon), Luke Dow (Meredith), and Doug Roper (Ruth); by her niece, Mary Ann Humble (Steve); and by her great-nephews and great-nieces, Clara Dow, Emily Scarberry (Zach), Collin Dow, and Zach Dow.

Margaret’s passing was preceded by that of her husband of 63 years, John Earl Bales, and her parents, in addition to her grandsons, Malcolm Geoffrey Bales and Timothy Daniel Bales, and her great-granddaughter, Raelyn Margaret Edmonds.

A private graveside service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to hospice services at Affinity Healthcare, 2708 S Medford Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75901, or online at www.affinityhealthcare.org.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.