WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Teresa Batiste, age 90, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday afternoon, July 4, 2026, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
She was born October 20, 1935 in Lacombe, Louisiana, daughter of the late Edward and Leona (Landor) Palmer.
Teresa had resided in Sturgis since 1962, coming from her beloved hometown of Lacombe. On November 23, 1962, she married the love of her life, Elmo Joseph Batiste, in Lacombe. Together they shared nearly 53 years of marriage before his passing on August 24, 2015.
She retired from Dometic Corporation in LaGrange, following many years of dedicated service.
Teresa was a devoted and faithful member of Whole Life Church in Sturgis, where her kind spirit and unwavering faith were evident to all who knew her. She was a gifted seamstress who found great joy in sewing, tending her garden, and creating a warm and welcoming home. More than anything, Teresa treasured the time she spent with her family. Her love, guidance, and gentle presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her daughters, Sandra (Wendell) Edwards of Trotwood, Ohio, and Judy M. (Willie) Young of Millbrook, Alabama, Amanda (Caleb) Bennett of Sturgis and Ashley (Ryan) Young of Three Rivers; her sons, Steven J. (Amy) Batiste of St. Joe, Indiana, and Dale L. (Joan) Norman of Cassopolis; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Violet Batiste, Nora Ducree and Angelina Ordone all of Lacombe, Louisiana; brother, Joshua Palmer of Lacombe, Louisiana; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Leona Palmer; her husband, Elmo Joseph Batiste; and several brothers and sisters.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Whole Life Church, 1420 E. Chicago Road in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating Teresa’s life will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 at the church. The Rev. Charles Vizthum will officiate. A graveside committal service will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Whole Life Church, 1420 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
