Audrey Ann Hunt Belles Bateman

Audrey was born to Elmer E. Hunt Sr. and Louise W. Johnig Hunt in Vancouver, Washington on April 20, 1933. She grew up there with her brother Elmer Hunt Jr. until a year after the Pearl Harbor attack. The family then moved to Spokane, where they lived in a beautiful old time doctor’s home that has recently been restored and placed on the Historical Register. Those years held a special place in her heart and she was fond of telling stories of the high ceiling with enormous Christmas trees and about delivering newspapers with her brother throughout the area.

Her childhood years were filled with family outings, trips and get-togethers that would continue for the rest of her life. To her, family always included her ever widening circle of friends. They were no less family than the one she was born into and she made sure they knew it.

At twelve years of age Audrey met Jesus Christ at a Youth for Christ meeting where she accepted him as her Lord and Savior. She trusted Him throughout her life and He never let her down. Audrey faced numerous challenges and crisis in her eighty-two years, but did so without fear because of Him.

Education was an important part of Audrey’s life. She was enrolled in first grade when still only five years old. Teachers discovered her true age a short time later, but allowed her to remain in school because she already knew her multiplication tables through 12 x 12. She went on to graduate high school in three and a half years at Spokane’s North Central High. That was followed by college at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina where she earned Bachelor of Arts, Masters and Masters of Fine Arts degrees; teaching college courses throughout her post graduate studies.

In June of 1954 Audrey met Kenneth A. Belles while visiting friends at Washington State University. They fell in love from the very start, discussing marriage on their first date. Their wedding was two years to the day later. She later described their marriage by saying we “were on our honeymoon ever since until he died.” Audrey and Ken had two sons, Gary L. Belles and Gordon L. Belles, raising them in the Yakima area. They enjoyed travel, sometimes with the boys; sometimes just the two of them. Their love and happiness was obvious. It was impossible to miss.

Professionally Audrey worked as a graphic artist for Shields Rainier (now Shields Bag and Printing) and the Country Store Shopping Center until returning to teaching in 1966. She then joined Ken as a teacher at Zillah High School, remaining there for the rest of her career. Her classes included fine art, commercial art, drama, annual staff, photography and journalism. Following her retirement she continued teaching on a substitute basis for several years.

Ken passed away in 1986. Two years later Audrey married Murray Bateman of Yakima and loved his family as her own. He passed away in 1998, but her love for the family continued.

Audrey’s faith was always central to her life. She was committed to her Lord, serving at the Grace Brethren Church in Yakima as a deaconess, teacher and board member until she remarried. She and her new husband went on to attend the Terrace Heights Baptist Church until moving to West Valley. They then attended the Cross Church on Summitview Avenue, where she continued to teach and serve. She was heavily involved in the Yakima Seventh-day Adventist Church on 35th Avenue as well, enjoying Sabbath School and serving in the Heart Health program and the annual Journey to Bethlehem production.

Her love for Jesus showed in her love for people. She was active in the West Valley Lion’s Club, twice serving as President and participating in numerous charitable events. She scored for handicapped bowlers and routinely contributed to both her churches, an orphanage in Bangladesh and the Union Gospel Mission. Her square dancing group was a special joy to her, performing at area nursing homes. Friends could always count on her for a ride to church, the bank, shopping or doctor’s appointments. They returned her love completely and they were always there for her. Audrey passed away on Good Friday, March 24, 2016 at Cottage in the Meadow with family at her side. The care and compassion of the people there was a special comfort to her and her family. It will never be forgotten.

She was preceded in death by parents Elmer Hunt Sr. and Louise Hunt, her brother Elmer Hunt Jr., husbands Kenneth Belles and Murray Bateman and step son John Bateman. Survivors include sons Gary Belles and wife Carolyn, Gordon Belles and wife Cindy, daughters-in-law Colleen Austin Belles and Louise Bateman, step son Sam Bateman, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends that were also her family.

The family extends its thanks to Cottage in the Meadow, Dr. Mark Joy, Dr. Jeffrey Licht and to Dr. Albert Brady who provided exceptional service even after his retirement.

Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00. A memorial service will be held at the Yakima Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 507 No. 35th Avenue on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. A potluck dinner will follow. Friends and family are invited to bring a dish and stay for fellowship after the service. To share a memory of Audrey visit www.keithandkeith.com.