Ruth Bateman

Ruth Alberta Bateman, age 93, formerly of Lamar, MO passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2012 peacefully at her home in Ocala, FL after a long illness.  She was born May 1, 1919 at Lincoln, Kansas to Sheldon Raymond and Mary Emaly (Crosswhite) Newland.  On April 6, 1941, she married Chester James Theodore Bateman and together they raised three wonderful children on their family farm in Lamar, Missouri.  Ruth and Chester celebrated 63 years of marriage before his passing in 2004.  She was a loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother and friend to many.  She will be greatly missed.      After graduating from Pittsburg State Teachers College with a Specialist Degree, Ruth taught at Lamar Elementary for many years.  She was a devoted member of many clubs and organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, Junior Farmers Association, Retired Teachers Association of Missouri, and Hopewell Presbyterian Church.      Ruth is survived by one son, Richard & Jan Bateman of Raymore, MO; one daughter, Beverly & Tom Gerlach of Franklin, Wisconsin; a son-in-law Ron Kuhn of Summerfield, Florida; four grandchildren, Blake & Jennie Hardcastle, Shane Hunter, Sheryl & John Watson, and Jamie & Dan Appelbaum; five great-grandchildren, Nathan, Jonathon, & Samuel Hardcastle, and Mia & Elisabeth Appelbaum; and her good friend and long-time family caregiver, Mattie James.      In addition to her husband, Chester, Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter Marilyn Sue Kuhn in 2008; one brother Donald Newland; and two sisters, Lucille and Elsie Newland.     Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Daniel Funeral Home with burial in Memory Gardens Cemetery.     The family will receive friends for 9:00 am until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.      Memorial contributions are suggested to American Cancer Society in care of Daniel Funeral Home.