STEVIE BATEMAN

Stephanie “Stevie” Bateman, age 78, of Elburn, was called to her Savior, Thursday, April 21, 2022, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born April 13, 1944, in Aurora, IL, to proud and loving parents, Lester and Dolores Nelson.

Stevie grew up in Batavia and attended local schools. She graduated from Batavia High School with the class of 1962. During her tenure, Stevie became fully certified as a lifeguard. Many adventures and good times were had, especially when the infamous family Jeep, which didn’t have reverse, was involved.

A mutual friend set Stevie and Rowland Bateman up for a date at the alumni dance and before you knew it, Rowland danced away with her heart. They were united in marriage on December 29, 1962, at the United Methodist Church in Batavia, IL. They made their home back on the Bateman farm where they began raising a family.

Stevie began her early career helping customers at Mary Anderson’s dress shop in Batavia. As she transitioned from helping customers to becoming a wife and mother of four boys, she took a break from working outside the home. As her sons grew, she ventured into being her own boss with Joyfull Flowers by Stevie. Stressing that her business name be spelled with two “l’s” because her flowers were full of joy. She also spread that joy, along with skill and compassion, by spending time in others’ homes providing care.

Stevie had a feisty soul with a heart of gold. She found a way to make so many people feel special. Whether it was through cards, or phone calls, or a visit with goodies, Stevie wanted you to know that she was thinking of you. One of her most famous ways of spreading that cheer was through her Brown Bobby Donuts. Her smile and laughter were genuine, as was her driving skills which closely resembled the phrase, “drive it like you stole it”. She supported her boys with the biggest cheers and the loudest cow bell you have ever heard. She took them everywhere and shared with them her love of the outdoors. Gardening was a passion, and she reveled in all the gifts that mother nature could give. She could identify every cheery feathered visitor to her bird feeder, and especially loved the woodpecker. In her younger years, she was a youth group leader and a prolific troop leader for the Girl Scouts. Many of her girls went on to achieve accolades including multiple Gold Awards. She was an amazing cook who took charge of a kitchen like a general takes a battlefield. Her cinnamon rolls, homemade candy, fudge and peanut brittle became her love language, and she didn’t hold back sharing with anyone.  Her calendar was always full and everyone knew Tuesday was “Canasta Day” and nothing and no one came between her and her card buddies. Her grandchildren became the light of her life and brought so much joy to her heart. She followed their activities like a hawk and made sure that each of them knew how much she loved them. No one could ever take her place because when God made Stevie, He made her one-of-a-kind, a delight to behold and treasure to know and love.

Stevie will be missed greatly by her three sons: Kent (Lea) Bateman, Philip Bateman and Dan (Angie) Bateman; grandchildren: Travis and Ryan Bateman, Anna and Melanie Bateman, and Mitch, Trevor and Kei’anna Bateman; two brothers: Jeff (Gina) Nelson and Eric (Dottie) Nelson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a community of friends that span generations. 

She is now reunited with her husband Rowland; her parents, Lester and Dolores Nelson; her mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Neva Bateman; and her precious son Jimmy who preceded her in death.

Visitation will be at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, Friday, July 8th, 2022, from 4-8 p.m. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Stevie’s name. Checks may be made to the “Stephanie M. Bateman Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.