In loving memory of

Barbara Jean Batley
February 29, 1956 - October 23, 2018

Issaquah, WA - Barbara Jean Batley, originally from Elmira, NY, passed away on October 23rd, 2018 in Renton, WA at the age 62. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who will be missed dearly by all those fortunate to witness her kind and generous spirit.

Barbara was a remarkable woman who possessed an unwavering commitment to her friends and family. She loved reading bedtime stories to her grandsons, morning walks along HanaleiBay (located in Kauai, HI where she retired for several years), and drinking any chocolate milkshake she could get her hands on.

Barbara's accomplishments included co-owning Empire State Forestry Service Inc. in Ithaca, NY for roughly 22 years and serving as an Alumni Affairs & Development Officer at Cornell University for 10 years. After retiring, Barbara resided in Kauai where she dedicated several years of service to the Zonta Club of Kauai (Zonta International), a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. She also devoted her free time to volunteer at Ohana Oasis, an organization providing healing and restoration to bereaved parents through free, week-long retreats on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. She brought compassion, dedication, and kindness to every collaboration in which she participated. Barbara received her B.S. in Business Administration (graduated cum laude) at Worcester State University in Worcester, MA.

Barbara Batley was born in Elmira, NY and was the daughter of Elizabeth Barrows and Lawrence Erickson (both deceased). She is survived by her daughters Kathryn Johnson and Meg Rulli, son-in-laws Brian Johnson and Tony Rulli, and grandsons Maddox and Teddy Johnson.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ohana Oasis (https://ohanaoasis.org/donate) in her honor.

Tributes

Diane Wiessinger wrote on Apr 10, 2019:

"Ithaca misses you! You were a key part of our long-ago "La Ladies League" meetings - you, Jo Ann, Carol, Debbie, Marianne, Kim, and I. We missed you when you moved to Kauai, and now we miss you all the more. - Diane Wiessinger"

Sylvia Orr wrote on Dec 24, 2018:

"Good bye my dear friend, I still can see us running up and down Pauline Ave and the fun we had at our sleep overs"

Andrew Barrows wrote on Oct 31, 2018:

"Hey Barb I know you are at peace and in loving arms of are father Jesus and your mom and ?. You will be missed by many. Your step brother Andrew Barrrows"

Patricia Graves. A Zonta sister wrote on Oct 30, 2018:

"Dearest Barb, you will always be in my heart. God only takes back the sweetest and kindest .Finally you will be at peace . Love Patti"

Carol Whitlow wrote on Oct 28, 2018:

"She was a fantastic Jessie Jacobs Softball coach - took meticulous notes each game ad gave each and every girl an award for a specific thing she had done well."

Barbara Watts wrote on Oct 28, 2018:

"My dearest beautiful friend. I am heartbroken at the loss of you in my life. I am also sad to know that your life was cut short way too soon. You brought so much joy to anyone who had the good fortune to know you. I will carry sweet memories in my heart and hope that you have finally found the peace you so richly deserve. XOXOXO Love and RIP. Barbara Watts"

Diane Maxwell wrote on Oct 26, 2018:

"Rest In Peace Barb, Love, Diane (Maxwell)"

Kevin Lilley wrote on Oct 26, 2018:

"Kat, Meg, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom was a special person and a very important part of my life. Kevin and Tina Lilley"

Diane Cunningham wrote on Oct 26, 2018:

"My Dear Barb, I fell in love with you the first time we met as across-the-street neighbors in Kauai. We quickly became the tightest of friends and partners in mischievous activities. You saw me through some of the darkest moments of my life, even though you were hurting, too. You lit up the room when you walked, and everyone scrambled to talk to you. You never met a stranger. I could always count on you to be gently honest with me when I needed it, and your support over the years has meant the world to me. Remember how I used to tell you I slept better at night just knowing you were across the street. Your thoughtful, sunny, vivacious, humorous, loving, goofy, supportive, helpful, drop-everything-for-someone-in-need spirit has made the world a much better place for your family and friends. It will never be the same without you. You are forever in my heart, my dear, dear friend. I love you. Diane (Cunningham)"