Marla Jane Batek

Marla Jane (Dudley) Batek, 65, was born on July 12, 1960, in Houston, Texas, to proud parents Tommy and Wilma Dudley and passed away on July 25, 2025.

There are many wonderful things to remember about Marla. She had a passion for fishing and waited eagerly for the next opportunity to cast her line for a big catch. Dr. Pepper was her drink of choice as she played games on her IPAD, and she enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family and friends. In her younger years, she looked forward to throwing on her Rocky Mountain jeans and whipping around the dance floor, but as she got older, she appreciated her alone time and would often spend it browsing the pages of a good book.

Marla will be fondly remembered as a person who spoke her mind and had a knack for expressing herself, so the message was unmistakably clear. She was definitely set in her ways and had an ornery streak mixed with a smidge of feisty. That said, it was beautifully balanced with a fun-loving spirit and very genuine care for those close to her. All her family held a wonderful place in her heart, but she had a special adoration for her grandbabies. Marla will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Marla is preceded by both of her parents, Tommy Glen and Wilma Jane (Brown) Dudley and her brother Tommy “Buck” Dudley.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Todd Batek; sons, Robert Williams (Nikki) and Nathan Batek; daughter, Shalie Tudor; sister, Tammy Isbell (Michael); grandchildren, Addyson Church (Jacob), Skyler Ortega, Brody Williams, Easton and Everlyn Tudor; great grandson Konlee Church and “one on the way,” as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.

A funeral service remembering Marla, officiated by Bro. Doug Jones, will be held at 11 A.M. in the chapel of the Madisonville Funeral Home on Friday, August 1, 2025. Burial will follow in the Pankey Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the funeral home one hour before the service from 10 A.M till 11 A.M.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Click here to make a memorial donation.

Final arrangements for Marla Batek are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.