Deborah H. Batten

Deborah was born January 13, 1949 and passed peacefully on October 1, 2021. Debby lived a full life and made the most of every opportunity. She was a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, teacher and friend to all. The brightest of lights and a shenanigan enthusiast. Debby embraced traditions (don’t forget to say rabbit) but also relished trying new things and forging new paths.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Grace Haney. She is survived by her sister, Sarah (Sally) Puterbaugh and brother, Walter Haney, as well as their children Judson, Candace and Elizabeth. Debby married David Batten in 1969 and 53 years of adventure followed.

Debby’s life centered around family first, followed by her love of teaching, having taught at Haslett Public Schools for 19 years. Debby’s creative approach to teaching lives on both in the district and within the countless students’ lives she touched.

6 beloved grandchildren, Benjamin, Abbott, Harrison, Emerson, Campbell and Anniston carry on her memory and zest for life. Each of her grandchildren has countless memories of days with Grandma Debby spent making applesauce, playing Witchy-Poo, painting masterpieces, singing songs, and laughing uncontrollably. Their parents, Patrick and Meegan Cullen, Christina Batten and Robert (Dude) Pettis, and Geoffrey and Jill Batten, will watch with love and admiration as they each incorporate their lessons from Grandma into their future.

Debby’s network of friends was expansive and simply wonderful. Her positive energy attracted the best of people … from the Wilkshire women to the 3rd Thursday crew. Anne Gross, a family friend for life (or at least 45 years) deserves special thanks for her generous friendship.

In lieu of flowers, please spend some time with your family and have fun, in Debby’s memory. A Celebration of Life in Debby’s honor will be held Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 4-7pm at the Bengel Wildlife Center (Bengel Wildlife Center, 6380 Drumheller Road in Bath, Michigan). Given that there will be children present and the continued issues with the COVID pandemic, masks will be expected for all attendees. Those unable to attend are encouraged to send memories or thoughts of Debby to the family at GReastlansing.com.