Joan Westmen Battey

Joan Westmen was born May 28, 1932 in Bronxville, NY. While she retained the practical sensibilities and thrifty nature of those born during the Great Depression, her father’s stable banking job spared her family the hardships suffered by many during that era. She was blessed with loving parents (Mildred and Horace), supportive older siblings (Bob and Jan) and a wonderful childhood in Scarsdale, NY.

Many of Joan’s fondest childhood memories were of Camp Birchmere in New Hampshire, where she spent her summers from age 8 to 23 -- as a camper and counselor. She maintained life-long friendships from camp and was quick to regale us with old camp songs.

Joan graduated from DePauw University with a degree in English Literature in 1954, following the footsteps of her father, brother and sister who were fellow alums. Joan was a proud Kappa Alpha Theta. She retained a deep loyalty to DePauw -- attending reunions, connecting regularly with sorority sisters and endowing scholarships at the university.

At the encouragement of a sorority sister, Joan moved to Chicago after graduation and landed a job as a secretary at Leo Burnett Advertising Agency. Her love of Camp Birchmere was such that she asked her boss if she could take the summer off to work as a counselor one last time. Amazingly enough, he said “yes” and she returned to her job that fall!

Two years into her career in Chicago, she met Chuck Battey on a blind date. Overcoming her initial concern that Chuck was “too loud,” she agreed to marry him on September 14, 1957. Joan never did tame his boisterous ways, but they did enjoy a 66-year marriage full of fun and adventure.

Chuck, Joan and their three children moved from Chicago to Kansas City in 1970. She dedicated most of her time in Chicago and early years in Kansas City to raising Chuck III, David and Susan -- always with love and sometimes with a devilish sense of humor, as when she repeatedly convinced her gullible sons that they had secret admirers.

Joan and Chuck were true partners in a variety of civic and professional endeavors. In addition to supporting Chuck’s career, Joan took leading roles in the Junior Leagues of Chicago and Kansas City. While in Kansas City, Joan served as a volunteer and/or board member for the Red Cross, Shawnee Mission Education Foundation, Wildwood Outdoor Education Center, Village Presbyterian Church and Children’s Mercy Hospital. She was the Chair of the Tom Watson Children’s Mercy Golf Classic in 1985.

After meeting Chuck, Joan became an avid and accomplished golfer. It should be noted that at one point, Joan had more holes-in-one (4) than the rest of the Battey family combined!

In their retirement years, Chuck and Joan applied their energy to travel and family. Not satisfied with relaxing on the back patio with their beloved dogs (most recently Bailey), they visited 87 countries, traveling internationally into their 90s -- including trips to North Korea, Cambodia, Easter Island and other unusual destinations. They had a particular passion for bicycling trips, cycling through diverse locations in Europe, Asia and North America.

Travel also meant shared experiences with children and grandchildren. Chuck and Joan established a great tradition of bonding with each of their grandchildren on a trip celebrating the child’s 13th birthday. They showed tremendous energy and patience as they traveled to locations matched to a young teenager’s interests.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Mildred Westmen, brother Bob Westmen and sister Jan Westmen Taylor. She is mourned by her husband of 66 years, Chuck Battey Jr.; three children, Chuck III (Marilyn), David and Susan Fraser (John); and six grandchildren, Lindsay, Robbie and Molly Fraser and Sean, Kyle and Willa Battey.

“Good night, sweet princess. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” We will miss your wisdom, sense of adventure and radiant smile.