IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Bettie Batt

Services for Bettie Batt, 98, Marion, who died July 7, were 2 p.m. July 12 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church, Marion.

Born Oct. 5, 1926, in Okeene, Oklahoma, to Harry and Margareth (Tiemann) Geis, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal lord and savior and was baptized at age 12 at Zion Baptist Church in Okeene.

Bettie graduated as salutatorian of Okeene High School in 1944 and attended Baylor University, Waco, Texas, for two years.

During the summer of 1946, Bettie married Dean C. Batt, who had been discharged from the Army, and they both went on to attend the University of Kansas.

Bettie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and taught school in Vinland and Lecompton while Dean attended law school. They were married for almost 65 years.

In 1949, Bettie and Dean moved to Marion, where she continued teaching at Lincolnville High School, Marion Junior High, and Center High School.

Since these were post-war years, there was a shortage of home demonstration agents, so she also filled that position until Shelley, their only child, was born in 1953.

Bettie was very active in the Marion community, serving as president of the school board, Girl Scout leader, and precinct committeewoman and chairman of the Republican Party in Marion County.

She also was a member of Coterie Club and PEO and was very interested in the progress of the community.

Bettie enjoyed estate sales and collecting antique dishes and Hummel figurines.

She and Dean traveled in the United States and abroad and enjoyed continual learning by attending elder hostels.

The church had a very special place in Bettie’s heart. She served as Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and United Methodist Women officer.

Bettie really enjoyed her experience as church expansion chair in 1998.

Bettie received special enjoyment from entertaining in her home and from spending time with her grandchildren.

She was a loving caregiver to her parents who were in her care for six years. Both lived into their late 90s.

Bettie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother Duane Geis, nephews Greg and Paul Geis, niece Ann Batt Howard, cousin Millie Friesen, and son-in-law Paul Wiest.

Surviving are daughter Shelley (and husband Mel) Hett of Oklahoma City; granddaughter Avery Archambo (and husband Ryan Whisler) of the Washington, District of Columbia, area; grandson Brady Archambo (and wife Natalie) of Austin, Texas; great-granddaughters Kaia Archambo and Liana Archambo of Austin, Texas.

Other family survivors include the children of first-cousin Millie Friesen, especially Marilyn Friesen Fast (and husband Ken) of Hillsboro; Steve Friesen (and husband Bobbie) of Newton; Debbie Friesen Phillips (and husband Bill) of Rockwall, Texas; and Grace Steele (Eldon) of Tyler, Texas.

Also surviving are Alice Geis Johnson of Longview, Texas; Cindy Batt Goertz of Winfield; and Candy Batt Pettey (and husband Tom) of Winfield; and granddogs Rizzo, Willow, and Presto.

Memorials may be directed to Gideons International or to the Eastmoor United Methodist Church in care of Yazel-Megli Funeral Home.