Frances Ellen Batnich, 90, a Hamilton community resident, passed away on March 9, 2017 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon with her daughter by her side.
Frances was born on February 16, 1927 in Pulaski, Virginia, the daughter of James & Mattie (Heldreth) Wolfe.
Frances was a remarkable lady that could do anything she set her mind to. She had an incredibly strong work ethic and always went beyond what was expected of her. She loved the outdoors, flowers and gardening. Even after open heart surgery in 2011 at age 84 she still managed to mow the lawn on the riding mower.
She was an excellent cook and took great joy in cooking for all the church potlucks and home get togethers; she made a good southern mac & cheese and any excuse was good enough for a party!
She also loved animals of all kinds, and her daughter called her the Animal Whisperer, as animals of any kind responded to her voice. On the day she went to the hospital she purchased yet another 30 pound bag of cat food to feed the cats, raccoons and opossums. She would sit by the window watching them eat and just smile.
Her focus thru out her life was always on her daughter and her well being. Her faith and her prayers followed her daughter thru life and sustained her on so very many occasions. She was loved by and will be missed so many. But this is not goodbye, just an interlude.
Frances is survived by her daughter, Becky Bartholick and her husband Brian of Hamilton; 2 grandchildren, Tina Cobb (Tom) and Tim Beierle (Shelly); 6 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Toby (Cassandra), Tessa, Shawna, Ethan & Aspen and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Skyla & Hannah; her beloved sister, Clara Lance and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 sisters, Elizabeth, Elsie and Mary.
Memorials are suggested to the Hamilton First Baptist Church or the Skagit Valley Humane Society.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Hamilton First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Hamilton Cemetery. Visitation will be available on Friday from 9 am to 7 pm, and on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
