Eleanor May Batts

Went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday October 19, 2018. Eleanor was born January 14, 1934 in Portage, the daughter of Jacob and Gertrude (Kiel) Bouma (Hoeksema). Prior to her retirement she was employed for several years with the Upjohn Company. Eleanor was an active member of Grace Christian Reformed Church. She was well known for her baking talent, especially her pies and many other "Dutch Treats". Eleanor enjoyed sewing, gardening and crocheting. She took great pride in making afghans for all of her children, grandchildren, and other family members. She enjoyed camping with her family for many years and her greatest passions were her Lord and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On March 23, 1956 she was united in marriage to her loving husband, John R. Batts who preceded her in death on March 15, 1998. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her step-father, John Hoeksema; and brother, John Bouma. Eleanor is survived by her children, David (Shirley) Batts, Dan (Brenda) Batts, Jon (Beth) Batts, Joan (Doug) DeKoekkoek; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Janet (Herm) Franke, Dorothy (John) Balkema, Beverly (Paul) Mepyans; sister-in-law, Mick Bouma; several in-laws; several step-siblings; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may meet the family from 5-8pm Wednesday, October 24 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. Private family interment will be in Central Portage Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Thursday, October 25, at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 1724 Whites Rd with Pastor Greg Timmer officiating. Memorials may be directed to Grace Christian Reformed Church Memorial Fund or the Kalamazoo Christian School Association. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Bronson Commons for the excellent care given to mom over the past 3 years. To view Eleanor's personalized guestbook please visit www.langelands.com.