Melba DeNai Bateman

Biography

DeNai Bateman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and dear friend, passed peacefully from this life on January 23, 2014, surrounded by her family.
She was born April 17, 1933, to Arthur Munns McMullin and Melba Rose Marsden in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The oldest of four children, most of her early years were spent in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She was an exemplary student, played basketball, and was a competitive speed skater. In 1955 she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from Brigham Young University. After completing an internship at LDS Hospital, she accepted a position there. She often spoke fondly of her experiences while living in the Salt Lake Avenues with her roommates and working at the hospital.
She married Robert E. Bateman on June 17, 1957, in the Salt Lake Temple. DeNai immediately began her journey as a military spouse. Over the years she lived in Texas, Long Island, Spokane, Okinawa (Japan), Maryland, Heidelberg (Germany), and Virginia. She moved to Utah to serve as a companion to her husband, who presided over the Utah Salt Lake City and Utah Salt Lake City North Missions from 1979 to 1982. DeNai spent her remaining years in Utah.
She enjoyed traveling throughout Europe after graduation from college and while stationed in Germany from 1971-1976. DeNai loved to garden and tend to her flowers, was a skilled seamstress, excellent cook, made amazing hand dipped chocolates, enjoyed reading and studying her scriptures, celebrated good music, and had a special appreciation for meaningful children’s books.
A woman of great faith, DeNai quietly served everyone within her circle of influence in a characteristically gentle way, always leaving those around her with an increased measure of peace and comfort. She served in many church capacities, always treating each stewardship with complete dedication. Above all, she sought and nurtured the individual.
DeNai is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert; children: Robert (Candace) Bateman, Lisa (Curtis) Quist, Dana (Robert) Rees, Shauna (Jon) Cassel, Michelle (Kraig) Baade, Randall (Nelly) Bateman, 31 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren; brothers Doran (Marilyn) McMullin and Brent (Barbara) McMullin.
She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister, Glenda Harr.
A viewing will be held January 26, 2014, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Summerwood Ward Building, 1410 East Gentile Street, Layton, Utah. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Monday, January 27, 2014, at 12:00 noon. Prior to the service, there will be a viewing from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the LDS Church Missionary Fund, Perpetual Education Fund, or a charity of your choice in honor of her devotion to service.
Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com

Funeral Service

Monday January 27, 2014, 12:00 p.m. at Summerwood Ward
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Viewing

Sunday January 26, 2014, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Summerwood Ward
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Viewing

Monday January 27, 2014, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Summerwood Ward
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