Jimmie Bateman

Jimmie Lou Bateman 80 of Independence, passed away Thu. May 22, 2008 at her home. Services will be 11:00 am Tue. May 27, 2008 at St. Johns Anglican Church with the visitation being held one hour prior to the service. Jimmie was born April 8, 1928 in Oak Park, Illinois to Ethel Mae Holladay and Hillary Corwin Russom. She was a talented painter, sculptor, and seamstress. For a short period in the 40’s she worked at Hallmark Cards drawing the hairs on bunny rabbits. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and friend to her family, to the boys in her Cub Scout den, the students in her painting classes, and all the children in the neighborhood. She was married to Don Ray Bateman for over forty years, and is anxiously looking forward to their reunion. Jimmie loved playing gin with her grandchildren, bridge with her friends, and solitaire with her glass of vodka and lemon juice. She was an amazing cook and could lay a brick foundation as well as make a prom dress. She loved animals, and was never without dogs or cats. She got great joy watching wild birds from her window and great consternation seeing squirrels eat from her many bird feeders. No one who met her could deny her sharp wit and wicked sense of humor. Thankfully, she held on to both to the very end. Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donnie, her brother, Dick Mason, her sister in-law Ethel Goin, and many other beloved family, friends, and pets. She is survived by her children, Marty Bennett and husband Terry and Mike Larson and wife Susie, her grandchildren, Matt Larson, Tricia Moen and husband Brian, Chris Larson, Ryan Larson, and Katie Larson, her nieces and nephew Joyce Meyer, Janice Goin, and Harvey Goin. Jimmie requested no flowers, and donations may be made in her memory to St. John’s Anglican Church or Independence Animal Hospital.