Pearl C. Bateman

PEARL C. (DAGUE) BATEMAN

Pearl C. Bateman, 86, peacefully left this earth on December 23, 2008, surrounded by family members at Kennewick General Hospital.

Pearl was born in Kennewick, Washington, on May 13, 1922, to Leverett and Marietta Dague. She graduated from Kennewick High in 1940, as did her high school sweetheart, Wendell. Pearl was also active in Camp Fire. Pearl was on the Camp Fire Council for many years. She was active in Rainbow during her high school years. She organized and helped with many Kennewick High School Class Reunions. Pearl was very active in DAR (Daughters of American Revolution) and was Regent in the Kennewick Chapter for several years.

Pearl was active in the First United Methodist Church and Joy Fellowship circle. She helped to get handbells for the church. Pearl was the church wedding hostess for close to 30 years.

Pearl and Wendell were founding members and helped get the East Benton Historical Museum built. Pearl was active in the East Benton Historical Society. She was the proofreader for the 'Clarion' and produced the Clarion for many years.

She loved to sew, knit, crochet, and do a wide variety of craft projects. She enjoyed playing bridge, dancing and browsing antique stores. She belonged to a monthly Lady's Bridge Club, a monthly Couples Bridge Club, and Couples Dancing Club.

In June of 1943, Pearl took a train to Texas to marry her high school sweetheart, Wendell, who was stationed at Sheppard Field. They were married on June 19, 1943, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Upon Wendell's discharge they returned to Kennewick where Wendell resumed work on the family farm. Wendell and Pearl made their home on Bateman Island, surviving the floods of 1948 and 1949; moving off the island in May of 1952 to the Highlands where they maintained a home.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband Wendell, daughter Lila and her parents Marietta and Leverett Dague.

She is survived by her brother, Lyle Dague of Grandview, WA; her daughter, Linda (Ken) Moszeter of Eugene, OR; sons, Larry (Sue) of Kennewick; and Lynn (Pattie) of Kennewick. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Meg Gentry, Tanya (Chad) Winkler, Lee (Stephanie) Bateman, Heath (Jennifer) Bateman, Shane Gentry, Brent Moszeter, Casey Bateman, Betsy (Patrick), Markus, Kyle (Mandy) Bateman, Carrie Bateman and several great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be Friday, January 2nd, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Mueller's Chapel of the Falls at 314 W 1st Ave. in Kennewick. There will be a Graveside Service on Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverview Heights Cemetery, located on 10th and Olympia in Kennewick. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund at 2 S. Dayton, Kennewick, WA 99336; East Benton Historical Society at P.O. Box 6964, Kennewick, WA 99336; and Kennewick General Hospital Building Fund at 208 W. 8th Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336; or to a charity of your choice.

The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.