Krista Belle "Kris" Jane (Weigand) Bateman

Krista Belle Jane “Kris” Bateman (Weigand), our beloved mother, grandmother and friend, peacefully passed away on March 6, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado, after a short time on hospice. Born on April 16th, 1937, in Rush County, Kansas, she was named after the daughter of the nurse who delivered her ... the doctor didn’t make it to the hospital in time due to dust bowl conditions on the Kansas plains.

Kris lived her childhood as a farm girl, often fondly recalling her rodeo days. If you were lucky enough to hear her yodel, count your blessings! She attended Valley View Country School, then received her high school diploma at Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, Kansas. She then went to KU in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was the best mother ever and became lovingly known as “Grammit” to her treasured grandchildren. Kris deeply loved her entire family, whether by blood or by marriage. She had a remarkable ability to uplift everyone she met, often going out of her way to say hello and compliment anyone she encountered. Also, a passionate artist, Kris became known for her depictions of nature and country life using oil paint on weathered barnboards. She was a wonderful singer and was self-taught to skillfully play the piano, guitar and accordion.

She was baptized on March 26th, 2000 at Trinity Baptist Church in Aurora and deeply loved her Saviour, Jesus Christ.

We hope that anyone who knew Kris will continue her legacy of love, kindness and compassion to others, in her honor. There are no better gifts to bring to those you love and those you encounter each day. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Kris is survived by her children Michael (Sherry) Sutherland and Lori (Scott) Underwood, as well as 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 4 nieces, 2 nephews and her spicy little cat, Fred (Sissy). She was predeceased by daughter, Linda Sutherland, parents Victor and Margaret Weigand, sister Betty Farren (Weigand) and brother Rex Weigand.

A Celebration of Life for Kris will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 15555 E. Quincy Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80015. A dessert reception will follow, to include her favorite treat...ice cream!

Her ashes will be scattered by family this summer at Mount Lindo Cemetery in the foothills of Morrison, Colorado. It was her wish to be placed close to her beloved daughter, Linda Sutherland, whose marker you will also find there.

Donations in her memory can be made to Trinity Baptist Church (address above) or to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, online at www.WildAnimalSanctuary.org or by mail to 2999 County Road 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643