Betty Josephine Bateman, 93, passed away on March 8, 2022 in St George, Utah. Betty was born May 5,1928 in Ferron, Utah to Glen and Erma Hitchcock Jensen.
Betty was born and raised in Ferron, Utah. Attended school there and graduated from South Emery High School. Betty was married to Ralph Johnson on July 10, 1946 in the Manti Temple and later divorced. They had four children Paul, Vickie, Connie and Lane. Betty and Ralph lived in Ferron until moving to Englewood, California in 1959. When she moved to California, she worked at Ruby’s Toy Store and that was when the first Barbie came out. She gave Barbie’s to sister Gayla and daughter Connie. She then worked at Security Pacific Bank where she met the love of her life Jess Bateman. They were married on September 6, 1980. During this time, she worked for Flying Tiger’s Airlines and Tarbell Realtors. A little later working side by side she and Jess managed apartment complexes for Southbay Management.
They lived in southern California until April 2014, when they moved to Washington, Utah to join lots of family that moved there as well. Jess and Betty were a perfect match, they always put each other first. Betty would blow dry Jess’ hair every morning. They have 7 children, 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren.
Betty loved her family. Her grandson said of her ‘she was the glue that held the family together’. She was a great cook and enjoyed serving her family. She loved people and always saw the good in them. Betty loved unconditionally. She faced many heartaches and trials in her life but never became angry or bitter. Even at the age of 93 and being blind and battling cancer she was grateful to be here every day.
Betty was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served joyfully in the Primary, Relief Society and Young Womens’ organizations. She had a firm testimony of the gospel and was looking forward to being reunited with her loved ones.
Her youngest daughter Connie took excellent care of Betty and Jess with their health problems and was at Betty’s side when she passed away.
The family would like to thank the ward members, neighbors, friends and family for their help. A special thank you to Sun Tree Hospice. Paul Vu, Carlee Frehner, Dakota Willden and Kay Merz, Denley Fowlke, Sheron Stevens, and Joan Cheney.
Betty is survived by their children Judy McHale (David), Diana Cramer (Robert), Connie Bateman and Connie Johnson. Also survived by two sisters Beth (Bob) Neal and Gayla Guymon.
Preceded in death by her husband, her parents, children Paul Johnson, Vickie Johnson and Lane Johnson, granddaughter Lauren Allen, brothers Merrill G. (Lena) Jensen and Gary Pete (Helen Jane) Jensen and brother-in-law Lamar Guymon.
Graveside services will be Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm at the Ferron City Cemetery. Followed by lunch at the Huntington Senior Center.
Friends and family can sign the guestbook and share memories of Betty at www.fausettmortuary.com.