E. Maurine (Batts) Fowler

Maurine Fowler passed peacefully to be with her Lord on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Maurine was born on April 25, 1920 in Ballinger, Texas to John William Batts and Ida Kate Zachry Batts. She very much enjoyed growing up in the Bethel Community with her family where she and her sisters attended the local school and were members of the Methodist Church. She graduated from Ballinger High School in 1937 and soon after enjoyed working with the Soil Conservation Service.


In 1942 she met a dashing young Flying Cadet, Lieutenant Robert H. Fowler. Their romance led to a proposal and a very devoted marriage of 68 wonderful, fulfilling years. The ensuing war brought various flying training assignments in the United States. Before Bob’s unit was shipped over to Europe, they had a son, Robert H. Fowler II. Maurine busied herself with other separated families and kept the home fires burning bright.


At the conclusion of the war, Maurine and Bob began building their farming interest, working in the Ballinger community and raising their family. War again intervened, and Bob was recalled to Active Duty Air Force at the initiation of the Korean Conflict. This time they stayed on active duty and completed assignments in Texas, Mississippi, France, Morocco, Georgia, and Massachusetts. They thoroughly enjoyed their years of travel, and their home reflects many treasures and fond memories. At each of Bob’s assignments, Maurine very actively supported many varied military community family endeavors. She spent many years sponsoring Protestant Youth Fellowship programs as well as supporting her son’s school activities. She was always at the core of many Base Chapel functions. Maurine held various positions in Officers’ Wives Clubs, as well as hospital staff volunteering. Her primary joy was her family, but she very much treasured being with friends, photography, playing golf, flower arranging, and gardening.


Happy to return to Ballinger, Maurine and Bob were anxious to get back to their Texas roots. They were active members of the First United Methodist Church where they fully supported the many ministries there, including Lord’s Acre, missions, and Vacation Bible School. Each year Maurine and Bob looked forward to hosting the eagerly-awaited Batts Reunion at “Panther Lake” on their farm. Many dear memories of those times are cherished by the extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. One of Maurine’s great joys in life was opening her home and entertaining her family at holidays and other special occasions. A big thrill was having her granddaughters and nieces stay over for a few days of “girl time” after the reunions.


Maurine was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Fowler; parents; sisters, Lois Simmons and Johnnie Faye Russell. She is survived by her son, Robert and wife, Patti, of Austin; granddaughters, Cynthia Dover and husband, Derek, of Cypress, and Rebecca Millstone and husband, Daniel, of Frisco; and three great-grandchildren.


Funeral services will be held Monday, March 5 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger, Texas. Burial will follow at the Old Runnels Cemetery.

The family would like to thank caregivers, Rosemarie Cowan, Joelda Cuellar, Elizabeth Cuellar, and Becky Kresta. The family would also like to thank Ballinger Home Health, Odyssey Hospice, and Dr. Dawn Gonzales. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to a charity of choice.