Ruth Laverne Batten

Ruth was born November 3, 1921 in Wapato, Washington to Bertal Thomas Swank and Ruth Laverne (Rooney) Swank. She married John Henry Batten II in Union Gap on June 30, 1940. They settled in Wapato where they worked and raised their six children. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, a strong Christian spending time studying and reading her Bible. She enjoyed time with her family, working in her flower beds and garden, camping, fishing, baking, playing cards, and board games. In September, 2009, she was moved from her home in Wapato to an assisted living facility in the Tri Cities to be closer to several of her children.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Nancy Lee (Tom) McClelland of Richland; sons, John Henry (Julia Steffler) Batten III, Kennewick; Richard Dale Batten, Corvallis, Oregon; Eugene Bert (Karen) Batten, Wapato; Laverne Jay (Linda) Batten, Rockbridge, Wisconsin; and Gary Ray (Marcia) Batten, Salem, Oregon; 15 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by John, her husband of 57 1/2 years, on December 3, 1997; parents Bertal and Ruth; sister, Anna Adeline Swank Sires Bailey Schmitz; brother, Howard Allen Swank; 2 granddaughters, Lisa and Michele Batten; and grandson Shawn Laverne Batten.

Graveside funeral services will be held Friday, April 29, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. in the Reservation Community Memorial Park west of Wapato, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 P.M. at the Harrah Community Church, 7751 Branch Road, Harrah, 98933. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in memory of Ruth Batten to Harrah Community Church; Hospice at The Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336; or to your favorite charity. Merritt Funeral Home of Wapato has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.merrittsfuneralhome.com