Annastasia “Stash” Batikis

RACINE - Annastasia “Stash” Batikis, born May 15, 1927 to Steve J. Batikis and Mary (Contandenedis) Batikis in Kaukauna, Wisconsin moving to Racine at the age of 2, was called to be with our Father and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Stash was preceded in death by her father Steve, her mother Mary, along with her brothers John and Alex Batikis for whom she was primary care giver. Stash attended Franklin Elementary & Junior High School. She graduated from Washington Park High School. Annastasia completed her Bachelor of Science from Lacrosse State College and her graduate work with a Master of Science from UW Lacrosse. Stash began her career teaching Health & Physical Education in Manitowoc from 1952-1954 later moving to Racine to teach at Franklin Junior High School, Mitchell Junior High School and Mitchell Middle School. Stash finished her teaching career having retired in 1985. Along the way she accumulated many awards, as well as, volunteering for work. Awards included Physical Education Teacher of the year 1969, VFW Outstanding Service to Youth Award 1985, Washington Park High School Hall of Fame 1987, Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown) 1988, State of Wisconsin Citation for Athletic Accomplishment and Community Service 1993, UW-Lacrosse Hall of Fame 1993, S.E. Wisconsin Education Hall of Fame 1997, Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor 2002, and Chicago Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame 2002. Her volunteer work included Villa of St. Anna, Winslow School, DeKoven Foundation, Retired Teachers Association, Women’s Resource Center, Racine Heritage Museum, and Festival of Trees. Stash was a very proud member of Racine Bible Church for approximately 75 years. She taught Sunday school for 38 years along with Pioneer girls for 12 years. She was a member of the 50+ Group & Women’s Pray Group. Stash was a member of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League having played for the Racine Belles in 1945. She was one of two girls who signed to play for their hometown team. Of course, hers was being “the Racine Belles”. Stash would always say, “As proud and honored as she was to have the opportunity to play professional baseball - the thing she was most proud of was that of being an educator.” She loved her profession and all the children she worked with. That is the legacy that truly defines Annastasia Batikis. Annastasia will be leaving behind many friends who lives she has touched throughout the years. A very special thank you goes out to Racine Bible Church members for all the fellowship and support she received throughout her life. To the friends too numerous mention; Stash loved you and truly appreciated your friendship. For those at Ridgewood, there is little that can be said about dedication, care and compassion given to Annastasia during this journey. Thank you so much. Annastasia will also be leaving behind her adopted family. Her son Bob and daughter- in- law Roxanne Bradley. Stash has 3 grandchildren, Bobby, Jeni, and James Bradley, along with 4 great grand-children Alec, Isabella, Adriana, and Simon Bradley. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at Racine Bible Church, 12505 Spring St. with Reverend Spencer DeBerg officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet Tuesday at the funeral home, 4-6 P.M. and Wednesday at the church 10:30 A.M. until time of service. Memorials to Racine Bible Church Missionary Fund have been suggested. MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403 (262) 634-7888 Please send condolences to www.meredithfuneralhome.com