Evelyn Battjes

BATTJES, Evelyn
Portage Passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Evelyn was born July 31, 1924 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Harm and Effie Newhouse Esman and was a lifelong resident of the Portage Area. She had worked as a clerk for Harding's Market and was a member and former employee of the Portage Free Methodist Church. On February 14, 1946, she married Martin Battjes, who preceded her in death on March 21, 2006. She was also preceded by 5 brothers. Evelyn is survived by her children, Donna Glenn Bumgardner of Portage, Cynthia Verne Mills of Kalamazoo and Kevin Joyce Battjes of Midland; 4 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Clara Robert Vlietstra and Lena Ramon Samson of Phoenix. AZ; sisters-in-law, Jennie Esman, Marjorie Esman and Donna Esman; many nieces and nephews. Evelyn was a loyal Detroit Tigers fan and loved crocheting, gardening and card making. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at Evergreen Senior Care and Rehab of Springfield, MI for the loving care that was given to Evelyn during her stay with them. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 10:00 AM in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave., with Pastors Adam Davidson and Chuck Connors officiating. Interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given to the Portage Free Methodist Church.