Venita Jane Bear, age 84 of Santa Fe, Texas passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Winchester Lodge Nursing facility in Alvin, Texas. Venita was born March 15, 1942 outside of Austin, Texas and was a longtime resident of Santa Fe Texas.

She graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1960 where she had a love for sports and competition. Venita participated in all sports including volleyball, basketball, and track. She enjoyed the challenge and the excitement that came with being active and competing, and this love continued well into adulthood.  She participated in traveling bowling leagues and softball leagues. She was also a lifetime member of the Chaparral Golf Club where her and Spanky spent many of their days.  She also had a gift for making people feel beautiful and cared for. She worked as a beautician in nursing homes, where she enjoyed visiting with and taking care of the residence. She also continued doing hair on the side for friends and family.

Whether she was bowling competitively or spending time on the golf course, she always enjoyed the activities that she loved, and she remained active and adventurous throughout her life.  After retirement she and Spanky move to San Saba, Texas and spent many years gardening and traveling the United States in their R.V. seeing a variety of places and establishing new friendships along the way.

Venita is preceded in death by her son, Tommy Bear; her mother, who passed away when Venita was just a toddler, her father, Raymond Osborn Hooper; sister, Kimberly Ann Hooper, brothers, Butch Hooper and Raymond Hooper Jr.

Venita is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Thomas Bear; sons, Kenny Bear and wife Dana, Jimmy Bear and wife Marlo; grandchildren, Christopher Bear, Tommy Lee Bear, Hanna Little and husband Zack, Serena Plowman and husband Cody; great grandchildren, Carter Little, Greyson Little and Palmer Plowman; sister Renee Baker; along with numerous extended family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Scott Funeral Home.