Martha Jane Frerker Bateman

Martha Jane Frerker Bateman, formerly of Carlyle, Illinois, died Monday, August 8, 2022 at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 84 years. She was born in Breese, Illinois on September 9, 1937, the daughter of Leo B. “Pete” and Helena (Westerman) Frerker. She married Hershel Walter Bateman on November 26, 1969 in Las Vegas, Nevada and he preceded her in death on February 26, 2002.

Martha is survived by her stepson: Ralph (Sandy) Bateman; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters: Mary Young and Betsy (E.J.) Cunningham; and 2 brothers: Lee (Diane) Frerker and Tom (Mary) Frerker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Hershel Bateman; 2 stepdaughters: Chris Thompson and Nancy McNary; and a brother: Philip Frerker.

Martha taught elementary grade school children for almost 40 years – teaching in Illinois, Germany (for the Department of Defense), Missouri, Virginia, returned to Las Vegas, and retired in Hurricane, Utah in 2000. Martha later moved to Overland Park, Kansas to be near family. Martha enjoyed traveling, golfing with her friends, the Dixie Newcomers, quilting, church activities, craft sewing, Leawood Welcomers, and “doing lunch with her friends.”

Martha’s funeral service will be held Saturday, September 3, at Church of the Nativity Catholic Church, 3800 West 119th Street, Leawood, Kansas 66209. Visitation at the church will be from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. The funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. A light luncheon will be served at the church following the services. Private interment services will be conducted at Palm Mortuary and Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Memorials may be made to Mater Dei Catholic High School, 900 Mater Dei Drive, Breese, IL 62230.