Obituary of Marie Batham

Batham, Marie H. 89, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at Rolling Hills Manor in Zion. She was born in Czechoslovakia on November 4, 1921 while her parents were on an extended visit with family. Marie came to the United States when she was 3. She grew up in Winnetka, IL and graduated from New Trier High School in 1939. She married James H. Rhodes on January 27, 1940, in Winnetka. They celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary before he proceeded her in death in 1980. Marie worked as a telephone operator during WWII and later as a bookkeeper. On September 4, 1983, Marie married Richard M. Batham. They continued to live in Winnetka. They enjoyed their retirement by traveling, especially to England to visit Richard's family. They moved to Beach Park, IL in 1997 and to Barton Senior Residences in Zion in 2007. Richard passed away in 2008 and Marie moved to Rolling Hills Manor in 2009. Marie was the loving mother of Rosemarie (Dr. Alan Ruedi) of Barrington, IL and Tucson, AZ, Roxanne (Rob) Rissell of Waukegan, IL, and Mary Batham Elliott of Cornwall, England. She was a wonderful grandmother "Gagy" to Jim (Lynessa) Rissell of Zion, Dr. Beth Ruedi of Raleigh, NC, Jeff (Terri) Rissell of Beach Park, Caroline (Julian) Hubbuck, Joanna (Dr. Mike) Aldred and Duncan (Samantha) Elliott, all of England. She had three very special great-grandchildren: Catle Aiken of Zion, Oliver E. Aldred of England and Jessica Perazzolo of Chicago, IL. Marie is also survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Holbik, of North Dakota, and several cousins, nieces and a nephew. Gagy loved caring and worrying about her family. She said that she was happiest when she was with them. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Bohumil Holbik and Mary Holbik Vostruha. Also by her husbands, James H. Rhodes and Richard M. Batham, and her brothers Michael K. Holbik and Rudy Holbik. The family would like to express their thanks to the wonderful staffs of Barton Senior Residences, Star Hospice, and Rolling Hills Manor for the excellent care they provided for Marie. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 in the Chapel at Barton Senior Residences, 3500 Sheridan Rd., Zion. A Private burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Northbrook, at a later date.