Obituary

    Arlene Nebeker Bateman, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20th at her home in Colville, WA.  On May 6th, Arlene was diagnosed with leukemia and the illness took her quickly while surrounded by family.

  Arlene was born March 7th, 1929, in the family home located on the Simm’s Ranch north of Shoshone, ID. Her parents were Quayle B. Nebeker and Gertie “Leona” Bates. Arlene had seven sisters of which she was the third oldest.

She graduated “Salutatorian” from Shoshone High School and shortly thereafter married Cal D. Bateman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Idaho Falls, ID Temple. 

  They raised their 7 children on the family farm north of Shoshone, ID.  In 1974, they attended the World’s Fair in Spokane, WA and while exploring the area, fell in love with the beautiful Colville valley. Cal and Arlene moved to Colville in 1976.

  Arlene enjoyed her time piecing together treasured quilts, prolifically crocheting Prayer shawls for Hospice, tending her vegetable garden and sharing the bounty, whipping up legendary spud nuts for multi-generations of posterity, and in general just being the best cook ever.  Her arms, her home and her refrigerator were always open as she selflessly loved and served. Her hands were always busy, holding a needle, a ladle, a good book or a sweet baby. Not to mention, her ultimate dominance at Words With Friends. However, the time she most cherished was spent nurturing and growing loving relationships with her family.

  Arlene is survived by her children: Spencer (Jeanne) Bateman,  (Carolyn) spouse of Richard Bateman, Quayle (Seana) Bateman, Jan (John) Anderson, Jon (Rebecca) Bateman, Tamara (Gary) Maddox, Allisyn (Bob) Hartman, 26 grandchildren, 84 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Cal, son Richard, and sisters Cleora Murphy and Wyoma Stevenson. Indeed, she was a wonderful everything.