Alberta Parry Batchelor

Alberta Batchelor
Alberta Batchelor

Alberta Parry Batchelor, age 88, passed away on January 16, 2023.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Howard Griffin and Rev. Dr. Murray Gossett officiating.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas.

Alberta was born on July 12, 1934 in Milford, CT to William Edward and Elizabeth Swett Parry.  While she was still a child, the family moved to Great Barrington, Massachusetts where she spent her childhood in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.  A New England girl at heart, she may have left the Berkshires, but they never left her, and Great Barrington remained her special place throughout her life.

After attending the Rhode Island School of Design, as an art major, she married Bob Fred Batchelor in 1954, moved to Amarillo, and celebrated  61 years of marriage before his passing in 2015.  Bob and Alberta were devoted members of the First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years and were members of the original Triple T Sunday School class that founded Opportunity School. She loved serving on numerous church committees and attending everything that the church offered for any age.  Her faith was true and her belief in God spoke through her every movement.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, she became a bridal consultant, dressing thousands of brides through Colbert’s, Sakowitz, and Alberta’s of Amarillo for over 50 years.  She was a meticulous businesswoman, with an eye for detail, tradition, and decorum.

A love of Santa Fe led her to also open a children’s boutique in the La Fonda Hotel, Cheri Cherie’, where she happily enjoyed each and every child, parent, and grandparent who passed through her door for 36 years.  Throughout her career, she served multiple generations of families and nothing made her happier than to help another person make special memories, whether it was a baby or a bride.

Alberta was a Mom Emeritus to many.  Her kind and generous spirit reached out to an eclectic group – she took in not only stray cats but also stray people, without judgement.  She was blessed with many special gifts, among them a continual love of new experiences.  Whether it was traveling the world or exploring in her own backyard, she had a curiosity of life that kept her young at heart and incredibly current.   An immense love of her family, church, friends, holidays, and cats is truly her lasting legacy.  Knowing and loving her has been her family’s joy and privilege and she will be missed beyond measure.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Melody and Chuck Alexander and son Erick Kirby; daughter Melinda Batchelor; sister Roberta Parry; sister-in-law Betty Batchelor Burgy; beloved nieces, nephews and their families; and a multitude of friends whose lives were touched by this extraordinary woman.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Frederik LeGrange and the incredible medical team of the Holland America MS Rotterdam.  Their expertise, compassion, and human nature will not be soon forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Presbyterian Church or Opportunity School, 1100 S. Harrison, Amarillo, Texas 79101 or to the Amarillo Little Theatre, 2019 Civic Circle, Amarillo, TX  79109.

15 Replies to “Alberta Parry Batchelor”

  1. I am saddened to learn of Alberta’s passing. When I moved to Amarillo from Chicago in the early 80s, I didn’t know a sole. Melinda and I worked together and almost immediately Bob and Alberta took me in and became my family. They fed me (and I ate a lot), cared for me as if I were a son, and helped Amarillo become my home. There is no doubt in my mind that they made an immense difference in my life. My wife and I will be celebrating our 39th anniversary this July. We were honored to have Bob, Alberta and Melinda make the trip to Chicago for our wedding. Alberta was one of the most caring people I have ever met. She saw the best in people and had a true love for life. I am thankful to be lucky enough to have known her.

  2. Seeing Albert’s name brought back wonderful memories of her in relation to our (John and me) wedding. Alberta was THE go-to person. Wouldn’t have done anything without consulting her first. Fond memories of a warm and gracious woman who brought us a lovely celebration.

  3. Alberta glowed with God’s love, delight and interest in others.
    We always enjoyed seeing Bob and Alberta since meeting in the
    Symphony Follies years ago. They were always celebrating something or someone with such joy. God’s comforts be yours.

  4. Alberta was a beautiful soul, she was a wonderful aunt and great aunt to my daughters she will be missed, Our heart goes out to Melody, Melinda and Chuck they were all so close.

    Love Rhonda, Britt and Blair

  5. Alberta was a beautiful soul, she will be missed by many. She was a very special aunt and great aunt to my daughters growing up. We will miss her.

    Love Rhonda, Britt and Blair

  6. Alberta was my surrogate Mom…she taught me all the social graces I needed to navigate, but also how to embrace Life….no matter what it throws at you. She was truly one of a kind….
    Thank you Melody and Melinda for sharing her with us. May there be a plethora of pralines waiting for her. xoxo

  7. Melody and Family,
    Oh, how my mother loved your mom and dad. She spoke of them often and with such a smile on her face. I, too, enjoyed seeing you all together looking beautiful and enjoying life. Thinking of you in the days to come.

    Love,
    Jerry and Kelli Campbell Lane

  8. What a beautiful tribute to Alberta- such a gracious lady- touching my life in endless ways.
    This news of her passing has brought a flood of cherished memories-sharing the journey.
    My love to melody, Melinda -my condolences.
    Betty rubner

  9. This brings our deep sympathy and prayers for your minute by minute comfort from God, in Christ, designed just for your hurting hearts. We met your mom and dad in the Symphony Follies years ago and every encounter with them and you has always been so joyfully blessed! Such a beautiful tribute to Alberta with words that described her Fruit Filled life!

  10. Mom Alberta, Im so very sad to read this. What a great lady, so enjoyed your laughter and smile, and your Bob. I’m so very sad you are gone but am sure you are with Bob in your heavenly home. Prayers for Melody, Chuck and Melinda.!

  11. Melinda and family,
    Was shocked to see your Mom in the obituaries, I just received a Christmas card from her in early January with all of you in New York. As you know I thought your Mom and Dad were great having known them since childhood at First Pres. Reading this I learned so much about your Mom I did not know. I know my parents thought the world of your folks. Condolences to you and your sister and you will be in my prayers.
    Condolences
    Armand Smith and family, Phoenix , AZ

  12. Meme, Melinda and Chuck
    Most beautiful obituary ever—really captured the wonderful lady she was.
    Love all of you very much,
    Mary

  13. Alberta helped with our wedding. Everything she did was so lovely. I will never forget her grace and her smile. So very sorry for your loss.

  14. Alberta was such a beautiful person. Loved her from the moment I met her in 7 th grade, when Melody and I became friends at Crockett Jr. High., as well as Melinda! ❤️❤️
    Such happy memories I have of this precious family. For many years.

    She will be missed so in our community, but we know she and Bob were reunited together in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

    Prayers to all the family. Much love.

    Gaye and David Sougstad

  15. I will miss seeing her and Melody…always out having fun together. May the family be comforted by all their sweet memories

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