Mrs. Barbara J. Battle

Barbara Joyce Battle Barbara died February 6 after a valiant struggle with cancer at the age of 82. Barbara was born September 14, 1927 in Albion, California. She fondly remembers growing up at camp 19 near Fort Bragg. She attended a one room school house, skipped two grades and graduated from high school at age 16. Later she moved to Eureka, married Jim Battle, and was a stay at home mom while her boys attended Alice Birney School where she was active as a room mother and PTA President. Barbara had a variety of jobs including roving secretary for Eureka City Schools, admissions clerk for General Hospital and receptionist for Dr. Mark S. Harris. Barbara also was chief babysitter for her grandsons Kent and Brett as they went through the Eureka school system. All the neighborhood boys affectionately called her "Mam" since she baked daily cookies and other goodies for all the kids when they finished their homework. Her neighbors, Ron and Cheryl Waters and children Amanda, Terrin, Cody, and Kameron called her "Grandma Barb" as she was considered part of their family too. Basil and Harry Piazza were also lucky recipients of Barbara's love when she was their babysitter. Barbara volunteered for the Humane Society, the Youth Service Bureau, and the Eureka Thrift store. She was a great lover of dogs, especially her most recent dog King. She loved the holidays and would always decorate her house for every theme. She especially liked Halloween and would bake individual cupcakes for all the special kids in the neighborhood. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thelma and Fred Wolfe, James Marshall Battle, her husband of 47 years, and her two sons Wayne Raymond Battle and Michael James Battle, and her cousin's husband, Bob Lewis. She is survived by her son Alan Marshall Battle, his wife Mimi Battle, her loving grandsons Kent and Brett Battle, Brett's wife Sarah, her great granddaughters Baylie and Alena Battle, and Kent's girlfriend Dana Duarte. Barbara leaves behind her special cousins; Edith Lewis, and Clarice and her husband Bill Mazzolini; her nephews Jim and Bill Lewis and his wife Sally Lewis. She also is survived by her nieces Joyce Ford and Dottie Lee. At Barbara's request, no services will be held. There will be a "Gathering of Friends" at 1475 John Hill Rd. in Eureka on February 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. for those wishing to join us in sharing memories. We want to extend special thanks to Dr. Kamelgarn, her "Hospice girls", and good friend Nancy Dale who took such good care of Barbara. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, 2010 Myrtle Ave., Eureka 95501 or the Humboldt Botanical Gardens Foundation, Humboldt Plaza 2436 6th St., Eureka, CA 95501. Care is under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, California 707-4423751. To offer condolences please visit www.piercemortuarychapels.com.

Published in the Eureka Times-Standard from 2/10/2010 - 2/11/2010