Hazel C. Bateman, 72

Hazel C. Bateman, 72, "has gone home to be with our Lord Jesus." Hazel left us in the early morning hours of Sept. 26, 2004, and was surrounded by her children.

Hazel was born to Horrace Watrous Humphrey and Leah Magnolia Hargett on April 3, 1932. She lived in Arbon Valley, Idaho. She graduated from Pocatello High School and later married Charles W. "Bill" Cullen in Pocatello on June 4, 1949. They were blessed with four children: Katherine, Patricia, Michael and Timothy.

Hazel and Bill were later divorced and she then went on to complete her education and became an licensed practical nurse. She later married Dean C. "Bud" Bateman on Aug. 29, 1959, in Salt Lake City. Bud and Hazel resided in Roy, Utah, and together they had four children: Terry, Rex, Clifford and Barbara. After her marriage and completion of her education, she began her nursing career at St. Benedict's Hospital in Ogden, Utah.

Hazel and Bud later divorced and she moved to Kalispell in 1977. At that time, Hazel continued her career at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where she later retired after working more than 20 years with them.

Hazel loved being a nurse and taking care of her patients in the intensive care unit. Even up to the time of Hazel's death she had peers who cared for her and expressed their gratitude and heartfelt appreciation towards her and her many years of service with Kalispell Regional and its patients.

Hazel enjoyed camping, fishing and watching old TV shows. Above all, she really loved a good family poker game.

Hazel is survived by her children, Katherine "KC" of Columbia Falls, Pattricia Clay of Kalispell, Michael Cullen of American Falls, Idaho, Timothy Cullen of Gillette, Wyo., Terry Bateman of Salt Lake City, Clifford Bateman of Missoula, and Barbara Jacobson of Alpharetta, Ga., and their spouses; a sister, Leah of Brigham City, Utah; along with numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her dear son, Rex Bateman; and her beloved son-in-law, Kenny Clay; as well as her siblings and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel after which Hazel will be laid to rest in the Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services.

The children are requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory.