The following obituaries appeared in the May 27, 2020 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
For more area obits and information please visit Schwab Mortuary or the Star Valley Historical Society.
Doreen S. Bateman, 81, of Etna passed away in her home, May 17, 2020 of natural causes. Doreen was born August 18, 1938 in Salt Lake City, the oldest daughter of Leon and Lucilla Sant. She was raised in Driggs, Idaho where her father owned a gas station, motel, and grocery store. Her mother passed away when she was four years old. Her dad remarried and her second mother, Lorraine, passed away when Doreen was eight. For the next nine years she was in charge of taking care of the motel and the grocery store. She learned at an early age to be a hard worker. Because of her outgoing, loving personality, she made many lifelong friends.
She left home at the age of 18 and moved to Salt Lake City. She got a job working at a five and dime store and later worked at the Genealogical Society.
She met and married Richard Smith. To this union was born three children. While working for the military, they lived in several states and Thailand. She loved living there and was thrilled when one of her grandsons was called on a mission to Thailand.
When this marriage ended, Doreen moved back to Driggs, where she enjoyed working as a secretary for the middle school. Her life changed for the better when she was introduced to Rex Bateman, a recent widower from Etna. They fell in love, and along with a new husband, Doreen inherited seven more children. Doreen instantly become the mother of 10. Soon thereafter, a baby girl was born to Rex and Doreen, whom, along with all her siblings, they loved dearly.
They enjoyed many family vacations together in their camper and trailer. They loved watching the surprise on people’s faces as all the children piled out of the back of the camper. Doreen worked and played hard taking care of her large family. She taught them the importance of quality work. They raised a large garden, and her yard was her pride and joy. She also loved to crochet and was very artistic. In her later years, she started a successful toffee making business, Doreen’s Toffee Bliss.
Doreen never stopped serving. She served many years with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings. Right up to her death, she made bread for the sacrament, friends, and family, even during COVID-19. Together, Rex and Doreen served many years as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple. One of the highlights of their lives, was serving in the Illinois, Nauvoo Mission, where they made many dear lifelong friends.
Doreen’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by husband, Rex Bateman, 11 children and their spouses. Nolan (Joy), Claudia (Don Baker), Marilyn (Robert Weber), Tammy (Steve Bell), Marsha (Morgan Mitchell), Tara (Corey Holm), Richard (Brenda), Tim (Wendy), Steven (Becky), Rosie Sellers, Jeni (Craig Fetkavich), 66 Grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.
