Donna Batterbee

Donna Kay Bachmann Batterbee died Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire. She was surrounded by her family and caregivers as she took her last breath. Donna was born on October 3, 1937, to Paul and Winnie Bachmann. When she was four, the family moved to Central Lake to settle down as they established Bachmann's Store. After she graduated from Central Lake High School in 1955, Donna moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, with her first husband. In Williamsburg she worked as a night cashier at the Williamsburg Inn where she enjoyed meeting famous people including Robert Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II. When her first marriage ended, she moved back home to Central Lake where she swore off dating forever. She met Keith Batterbee whose first marriage had ended similarly and who had also sworn off dating forever, so the two thought it would be safe to go out together. Donna and Keith were married on June 17, 1963, and made their home on State Street where they raised their two daughters, Michelle and Denise. She spent much of her life as a homemaker. For years she played the piano for Sunday School at the First Congregational Church in Central Lake and loved pounding out the tunes with Betty Huntley on the Hammond organ. She was an officer for TOPS, belonged to the Central Lake Lioness Club, was a den mother for the Girl Scouts, and organized Christmas baskets for the Salvation Army. She loved quilting, garage sales, and Elvis. When her girls got older, Donna worked at the Central Lake Chamber of Commerce Cabin as their "hostess with the mostess." She organized Central Lake's Fourth of July Parade for many years.She was a true "Central Lakian" who knew everyone and everything about her hometown. Donna and Keith divorced in 1989 so they could go back to being best friends. After the divorce, Donna held various bookkeeping jobs, but she especially liked being a gift shop clerk and fitness center attendant at Shanty Creek Resort. She was a "people person" who could forge a connection with just about anyone. She had a strong personality and loved to talk. Her quick wit and sense of humor stayed with her up until the very end. Before Donna's physical decline, she loved eating out and joy-riding with her sidekick, daughter Denise. She is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Charles) Fox, Denise (Matt Seder) Batterbee, grandson Ethan Fox, brother Michael (Christine) Bachmann, best friend Keith Batterbee, niece and nephew Liz and Rob Bachmann. She is also survived by first-cousins Katherine Stacy and Ron (Hilda) Bachmann. And, of course, Donna will be missed by her dear little cat Callie. A celebration of Donna's life will be held on Saturday, November 1st, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Central Lake with Pastor Gary Bekkering officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider directing any memorial contributions to the First Congregational Church, PO BOX 326, Central Lake, MI 49622. Donna's family wishes to thank the folks at Meadow Brook for taking such good care of her during her last years. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.