Sarah Elizabeth Bateman
October 18, 1925 - July 15, 2013
Obituary
Sarah Elizabeth Hayes Bateman died peacefully in her sleep on July 15, 2013. She was 87 years young. Sarah was born in Marshall County, Kansas on October 18, 1925, and had a loving childhood with her parents, Gene and Martha Hayes, as well as her sister, Lucy Hayes. Her teenage years were spent in Chicago, Illinois where she graduated from high school and chose to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Sarah was a proud member of The Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, and she graduated with honors with a degree in Home Economics. It was at Purdue that Sarah met her future husband, Robert Bateman who would walk her to classes and told her he would marry her someday. Sarah and Robert would marry in 1947 and had a glorious 61 year marriage full of adventurous travel to dozens of countries around the world.
Sarah was an active Alumni of Purdue University and along with her husband set up a scholarship fund for the school. She also continued to be a life-long supporter of Alpha Chi Omega and succeeded for many years to raise money for her sorority along with Robert who, in support of Sarah, became an honorary member. She was a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter and served on the Board of Trustees for the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.
In support of her husband’s Naval career, Sarah became involved in the Society Of Ship Sponsors Of The United States Navy. Additionally, she was a member of the Daughters Of The American Revolution, and was on the Board of Trustees for the Rainier Chapter, as well as the Church Divinity School Of The Pacific. Since 1950, Sarah was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, as well as a primary member of the Altar Guild.
Sarah is survived by her children, Lucy Bateman Ray (husband Bob) and Paul Bateman. Grandchildren Kelly Bateman, Sarah Ray, Robert Ray, Marisa Bateman and Alexis Bateman. Great Grandchildren Niles Bateman, Dylan Ray, and Josslyn Ray. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Edwin Bateman, her beloved son Robert Eugene “Reb” Bateman, and her sister Lucy Annette Hayes. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 20th at 1pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 4548 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, Washington, followed by a celebration of her life at The Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Robert E. Bateman Engineering Scholarship Endowment Fund at Purdue University, The Museum Of Flight Foundation Endowment, and The Robert Eugene Bateman Memorial Fund at The Episcopal Diocese Of Olympia – Christ Church Rector’s Sabbatical.
She was the most loving, gracious and fun loving woman I have ever known. She said, “It’s so rare to develop a great friendship in later life – we had a precious friendship and I will miss her giggle! xoxoMary Ford
Sarah Bateman was my mother in law for many years. She displayed numerous qualities that I sincerely wish had been present in my own mother. She had an inner beauty that gave her a glow, and she welcomed me into her family with open arms. She raised fine children and cherished her marriage. Hers was a life well-lived. I don’t know what better thing there is to say about anyone.
Lucy, we truly regret that health reasons will prevent us from attending your Mother’s memorial. Your parents were an important part of our lives, and we share your sorrow at this time. We hope that you will find comfort in your faith and in the love of your family and many friends. With much love always.
Sarah could be counted on at all times. She was the rock that was the constant of Purdue Avenue in Hawthorne Hills in Seattle. When I pass the house on the corner going to mom’s house, I always think of Sarah and Bob and Reb, Lucy and Paul. Growing up as neighbors to the Batemans was fun.
Growing up, the Bateman house was my second home. if I stayed too long, Sarah had a place for me at the dinner table ( sometimes they ordered takeout!) . She would talk to me with that twinkle in her eyes and I could never tell if she was serious or joking with me..
She was alway “Sarah” and Bob was always ” Mr.Bateman”. Bob asked my Mom what he done to deserve the ” Mr. Bateman” title instead of”Bob” I didn’t have an answer but knew that Sarah was Sarah.
A great lady and mom. I will always have memories of growing up down the block at the Bateman house with Mr.Bateman, Sarah, Reb, Lucy, and Paul.
Aunt Sarah was the best.
I so enjoyed my visits there. Especially to hear her and Uncle Bob debating an issue, spirited but respectful. And yes she did have a special twinkle in her eyes. I was so impressed how she looked after Uncle Bob after he moved to a care facility.
A most special person.
After my moved to Hawthorne Hills in Seattle in 1961 Lucy quicky befriended me and Sarah welcomed me into their household. She always seemed like the perfect mom. She trusted Lucy and her friends enough to give us the freedom to explore the community that is practically unknown today. I always felt welcomed and accepted by her. Her wonderful, giving spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren. My thoughts are with all of you as you grieve her loss.
Bob and Sarah were involved with the Naval War College Foundation and have an endowment here as well, supporting the Robert E. Batemans’ International Prize Essay for our International Students at the College. Bob was a Trustee from 1983 to 1989 when he became a Trustee Emeritus. We loved having Bob and Sarah a part of our Foundation….wonderful people and deeply missed!
May the good Lord bless and keep this lovely lady.