William B Batt was born on April 27, 1888, the son of Charles (1861-1949) and Eliza Brazier Batt (1864-1926). He married Hazel Jane Lee (1894-1993) on October 8, 1914. Their oldest daughter, Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915-1982), was my mother. The memorial here appears to have been written by the Batts' mission president, Junius M. Jackson, or his wife in the New England Mission, where they were serving as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the time Grandpa died in Rutland, Vermont, on February 4, 1959. The tribute was found among a box of genealogical records my sister-in-law Sheryl gave me after my brother Ray died in 1990.
Elder William B Batt came to New England with Sister Hazel Batt on February 2, 1957, to serve a two-year mission for the Church. How well we remember that day and how impressed we were when they arrived and what joy came to us as we thought of the great missionary work they would accomplish while here. They served first in Bath, Maine, and later Brother Batt was made president of the branch in Fall River, Massachusetts, Sister Batt later serving as the Relief Society president.
With a great desire to carry the gospel message to the good people of Rutland, Vermont, and to establish a Sunday School organization there, President and Sister Batt were transferred to Rutland on November 22, 1958. Brother Batt served as superintendent of the Sunday School and Sister Batt, responding in her sweet effective way, as president of the Relief Society.
We were shocked on the morning of February 4 to receive a phone call from Sister Batt stating that Brother Batt had passed away in the early morning hours apparently with a coronary heart attack. How characteristic of a devoted servant of the Lord was the service of Brother Batt. Active until the last moment, he was in the service of his Maker. Having completed their two-year missionary term one day before his passing, Elder Batt had already posted a letter to the mission president expressing their willingness and desire to serve another two or three months.
How well we remember with great admiration Brother Batt's jovial and numerous human interest stories taken from his life of service to the Church. He was a highlight in any missionary conference and all looked forward to hearing him.
We all join with dear Sister Batt in expressing our deep sorrow but with the same abiding assurance and faith that we know she has that parting is only temporary and their lives will be extended together in happiness throughout eternity.
We know our lives have been enriched and our faith and testimonies have grown stronger because of our association with Brother and Sister Batt.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
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