Beth Thompson Bateman

Beth ThompsonBateman "Grandma Beth" 1916 ~ 2004  Beth Thompson Bateman, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, returned to her Heavenly Father March 4, 2004 in Sandy, Utah at the age of 87. Born August 16, 1916 in Salt Lake City, Beth was the oldest child of James William and Zelma Smith Thompson. She married her sweetheart Noal Cushing Bateman February 21, 1936 in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Beth was raised in Sandy where she graduated from Jordan High School. She sang and played her ukulele for school functions and was a member of the Charlonians. An amazing pianist, Beth played piano by ear and could play any song in any key. Wherever she went people would ask her to play piano and all would gather round. In high school, a group would go to the gymnasium balcony where there was a piano, and Beth would play the new tunes she had heard. Needless to say, she was very popular. Active in the LDS Church, she was asked to be a ward organist at the age of thirteen and continued sharing her talents in church and community service throughout her life. After high school, Beth worked at the Paris Department Store in Salt Lake. As the elevator operator, she modeled the store's new clothes. One of the reasons she was chosen for the job was because of her elegant good looks. In fact, she dressed to perfection right up until the end. When she was in her thirties, Beth began working in the Sandy Library part-time while her children were in school. Later she worked full-time for the Salt Lake County library system where she helped introduce the Bookmobile service, which brought books to outlying neighborhoods. Eventually, she became Sandy's head librarian, from which she retired at age 62. In 1986 Beth and Noal were called as missionaries to help establish a new LDS branch at the Sandy Regional Convalescent Center. Their mission assignment was for two years but they stayed for over four. Again, Beth used her piano talents in this calling.  Extremely organized, Beth kept a beautiful home. She was an excellent seamstress and cook and would host great family parties. We'll miss her homemade rolls, raspberry jam, and other delicious culinary creations. Beth's greatest service was to her family. She was a tremendous support to her husband Noal, a former mayor of Sandy and active church and community leader. She was very proud of him and of her children and grandchildren and encouraged excellence. Beth is survived by her husband; her children Dennis (Caryll) Bateman, MelRae (David) Brown, Brenda (Joe) Biesinger, and Vaun (Anya) Bateman; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren; her sister Joy (Frank) Parry, and her brothers James (Beverly) Thompson and Harold (Judith) Thompson; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother Parley Dale Thompson and a son-in-law Mike Ganz. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 9th, at 12 Noon at the Sandy LDS First Ward, 8650 South 220 East in Sandy. Friends may call for viewing at the ward Monday from 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Interment, Sandy City Cemetery.