Priyadarshini Batchu

Priyadarshini Batchu

August 11, 1961- September 15,2025

Priya Batchu passed away on September 15, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Priya was born in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, India August 11, 1961. She moved to the United States with her parents at the age of two. She grew up in Rolla, Missouri and graduated from Rolla High School. Priya went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Priya lived most of her adult life in Columbia, Missouri, with her husband, Sudhir, and their two daughters, Sunitha and Prathima. Her career began in engineering at Square D and SEMCO. Later, she pursued her passion for design, working as an interior and exterior home designer, and she also managed her husband's neurology practice until 2015.

Priya was a woman of many talents and passions. She found joy in painting, writing, and decorating. She loved playing tennis, cultivating a beautiful garden, and staying informed about the world. Above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, Kiyaan and Sohaan, who brought the most light to her life. Priya's love for travel took her to destinations like Vienna, Austria, and Athens, Greece, creating cherished memories with her family. Yet, it was the time spent with her loved ones at home in Columbia that brought her the greatest happiness.

A devoted community member, Priya's charitable spirit led her to contribute to numerous organizations, including the Assistance League, Boone County Medical Alliance, Boys and Girls Town, the Shanthi Mandir Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri, amongst many others. She loved hosting friends and family at her home, always ready with a warm smile, a listening ear, and an open heart. Her kindness, generosity, and love for others touched many, and she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Priya was preceded in death by her beloved son, Sunil Batchu. She is survived by her husband, Sudhir Batchu of Columbia, MO; her daughters, Sunitha Batchu-Vara (Kunal Vara) of Media, PA and Prathima Batchu of Vista, CA; her grandchildren, Kiyaan and Sohaan Vara; her parents, Xavier and Sulochana Avula of Columbia, MO and her sister, Suhasini Avula of Columbia, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the MU School of Medicine's Sunil Batchu Memorial Award in Pediatrics, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211 or online at https://mizzou.us/BatchuMemorialGifts or to the Shanthi Mandir, Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri at https://shanthimandir.missouri.org/joindonate.

A memorial service to honor Priya's life will be held on Sunday September 21, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory 12 E Ash St. Columbia, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com