Valine Batten Obituary (2013)

Vesta V. Batten, 91, went to Heaven on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa after a brief illness. Vesta was born on August 4, 1922 to William and Mary Sawhill in Truro, Iowa where she spent her childhood years, graduating from Truro High School Class of 1939. After graduation, she worked briefly then enlisted in the U.S. Navy Waves, gaining the rank of First Class Yeoman. Following her service, Vesta attended AIB and found employment with the Veteran's Administration where she met her future husband, Harold J. Batten. To this marriage were born four sons, which began Vesta's full time occupation as a mother and homemaker. She supported their various endeavors from sports to scouting to church and school activities, all the while engaged in her favorite pastime, flower gardening. Vesta's passion for flowers was only surpassed by her love of family and friends. She is survived by her sons Bill (Sharron) Batten and Bob (Julia) Batten, both of Carlisle, IA, Joe (Joy) Batten of Urbandale, IA and daughter-in-law Lyn Batten of Rogers, MN, nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren with two more expected. Vesta was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hal Batten, son Don Batten and sibling sisters Berniece, Mildred, Ardis and brother Verle. A memorial service will be held at 11:00, January 4, 2014 at Carlisle United Methodist Church with interment of cremains to follow at Carlisle City Cemetery. There will be a lunch to follow at the church in the Family Life Center. Our deepest gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff at Taylor Hospice House, to which any memorial contributions may be directed.