Sharon Bateman

Sharon Mary Hansen Bateman passed quietly from this life on April 8, 2017, in Washington, Utah, to join her sweetheart and eternal companion, Ray McKay Bateman. Sharon and McKay were married for 61 years and were separated only 22 days before being reunited.

Sharon was born Sept. 29, 1937, in Grace, Idaho, the third of nine children to Melvin and Grace Hansen. Theirs was a large and loving family which welcomed many into their home along the way. Growing up on a farm, Sharon learned to work and play hard. She helped plant and harvest sugar beets and potatoes and was strong enough to buck bales of hay right alongside her brothers.

At age 15, Sharon met McKay at the Spudnut Shop in Grace. A romance quickly blossomed and, while still attending high school, Sharon said goodbye to McKay for two and a half years as he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The couple faithfully wrote one another and were married shortly after his return in the Logan Utah Temple on December 20, 1955.

Sharon and McKay started their life and family together in Inglewood, California, where they lived for 16 years. In 1971, the Batemans and their six children (John, Janet, JoAnn, Jerry, Jina and Janiece) moved to Lomita, California, where they continued to raise their family.

Sharon was an ally to all who stepped through her doors. She accepted and loved everyone and knew how to make them feel special. Over the years, her home was filled with visitors – family, friends and missionaries – who stayed sometimes a season or more. She was caring, charitable, a natural problem solver and a sounding board for all. Her big bear hugs lifted the spirits of those around her, especially when your toes didn't touch the floor.

Serving faithfully in the LDS church, Sharon accepted callings in the Relief Society, Primary, Scouting and Young Women organizations. She accompanied many youth on various outings, taking young women to Dixie College for “D” Week, a canoeing trip on the Colorado River, and annual girls camp.

Just like her favorite color orange, Sharon was boisterous, strong, full of life, and creative. She was extremely resourceful, with a special talent for being able to make dinner out of anything. She was an accomplished seamstress and taught herself to play the accordion and piano. She also enjoyed crafts, cake decorating and woodworking with McKay. With Sharon, you didn't need to look for adventure – her life was one. She could dine with the finest, yet make chase through the house with a hose and enjoyed both activities to the fullest.

McKay and Sharon retired to Provo, Utah, in 1987. There they enjoyed many new friendships and living closer to extended family. Later, they moved to Pahrump, Nev., to help care for Sharon’s parents. They continued to serve in the church, teaching, serving and helping fellowship others.

Sharon put up quite a fight after an aneurysm and subsequent stroke threatened her life in 2013. Her resolve to battle the difficulties of this setback inspired those who saw her struggle and make a remarkable recovery.

All that she became here on earth made her a force to be reckoned with. She sought out those who needed her most, and she will be a fiercely diligent angel to all those she loves and cares for who are left on earth. Her presence and leadership were felt in abundance by her family and friends. Her generous heart and loving spirit will leave a void during this mortal separation by all who knew and loved her.

Sharon was proceeded in death by her husband, McKay; daughter, Janiece; brother, Bill; and grandson, Justin. She has 26 surviving grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

There will be a viewing on Saturday, April 15, at 10 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at 115 W. 2000 S., Washington, Utah. Internment will take place at the city cemetery in Bloomington, Idaho, on April 17 at 11 a.m.