Bill Batten, 83

Shirley Olin “Bill” Batten, age 83 of Mendon, died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Mendon on March 23, 1928 the son of Olin Glenn and Norma (Moore) Batten and attended Mendon Schools. Bill had operated a garage in Mendon and had worked for the Mendon Company, and Simpson Paper Company, before going to work at Fiber Converters in Three Rivers. Bill joined the Mendon Fire Department at a young age, and served as the Fire Chief for over 38 years. In his spare time he enjoyed fixing and repairing things; hunting and fishing; and attending Mendon High School sporting events.

Bill was married to Donna (Betts) Thompkins in Mendon on Dec. 7, 1973. She survives, along with four children, Terry (Jeanne) Batten, Shirley “Sue” Batten, Brenda Samson, and Shannon (Steven) Stewart all of Mendon; three step-children, Larry (Ramona) Thompkins and Randy (Patricia) Thompkins both of Mendon, and Lisa (Herbert) Seeger of Wausau, WI; seventeen grandchildren, Billie, Michael, and Cassie Stewart, Tricia (Chip) Durren, Buzz (Jan) Griffith, Leasa (Shannon Mathews) Griffith, Shawn (Tricia) Griffith, Shane (Dawn) Griffith, Glenn (Patty) Samson, Rene’e (Tim Parsons) Samson, Corina Thompkins, Jessen (Brooke) Thompkins, Petrea, Hannah, and Gabe Thompkins, Alex and Conner Seeger; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sharlene Brueck of Mendon; and a brother, Ron “Skip” (Sharon) Batten of Mendon; many nieces, nephews, and in-laws; and his faithful dog, Muffy Too. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by three brothers, Eugene, Richard, and Jerry Batten.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted. A memorial service will be held Monday Nov. 14, 2011 at 3 p.m. in the Mendon United Methodist Church with Rev. Ward D. Pierce officiating. Memorials may be directed to either the Three Rivers Health Hospice, or the Mendon High School Cheerleaders. An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com