STEVIE BATEMAN

Date of Birth

April 13, 1944

Date of Death

April 21, 2022

Stephanie “Stevie” Bateman, age 78, of Elburn, was called to her Savior, Thursday, April 21, 2022, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born April 13, 1944, in Aurora, IL, to proud and loving parents, Lester and Dolores Nelson.

Stevie grew up in Batavia and attended local schools. She graduated from Batavia High School with the class of 1962. During her tenure, Stevie became fully certified as a lifeguard. Many adventures and good times were had, especially when the infamous family Jeep, which didn’t have reverse, was involved.

A mutual friend set Stevie and Rowland Bateman up for a date at the alumni dance and before you knew it, Rowland danced away with her heart. They were united in marriage on December 29, 1962, at the United Methodist Church in Batavia, IL. They made their home back on the Bateman farm where they began raising a family.

Stevie began her early career helping customers at Mary Anderson’s dress shop in Batavia. As she transitioned from helping customers to becoming a wife and mother of four boys, she took a break from working outside the home. As her sons grew, she ventured into being her own boss with Joyfull Flowers by Stevie. Stressing that her business name be spelled with two “l’s” because her flowers were full of joy. She also spread that joy, along with skill and compassion, by spending time in others’ homes providing care.

Stevie had a feisty soul with a heart of gold. She found a way to make so many people feel special. Whether it was through cards, or phone calls, or a visit with goodies, Stevie wanted you to know that she was thinking of you. One of her most famous ways of spreading that cheer was through her Brown Bobby Donuts. Her smile and laughter were genuine, as was her driving skills which closely resembled the phrase, “drive it like you stole it”. She supported her boys with the biggest cheers and the loudest cow bell you have ever heard. She took them everywhere and shared with them her love of the outdoors. Gardening was a passion, and she reveled in all the gifts that mother nature could give. She could identify every cheery feathered visitor to her bird feeder, and especially loved the woodpecker. In her younger years, she was a youth group leader and a prolific troop leader for the Girl Scouts. Many of her girls went on to achieve accolades including multiple Gold Awards. She was an amazing cook who took charge of a kitchen like a general takes a battlefield. Her cinnamon rolls, homemade candy, fudge and peanut brittle became her love language, and she didn’t hold back sharing with anyone.  Her calendar was always full and everyone knew Tuesday was “Canasta Day” and nothing and no one came between her and her card buddies. Her grandchildren became the light of her life and brought so much joy to her heart. She followed their activities like a hawk and made sure that each of them knew how much she loved them. No one could ever take her place because when God made Stevie, He made her one-of-a-kind, a delight to behold and treasure to know and love.

Stevie will be missed greatly by her three sons: Kent (Lea) Bateman, Philip Bateman and Dan (Angie) Bateman; grandchildren: Travis and Ryan Bateman, Anna and Melanie Bateman, and Mitch, Trevor and Kei’anna Bateman; two brothers: Jeff (Gina) Nelson and Eric (Dottie) Nelson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a community of friends that span generations. 

She is now reunited with her husband Rowland; her parents, Lester and Dolores Nelson; her mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Neva Bateman; and her precious son Jimmy who preceded her in death.

Visitation will be at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, Friday, July 8th, 2022, from 4-8 p.m. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Stevie’s name. Checks may be made to the “Stephanie M. Bateman Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, Friday, July 8th, 2022, from 4-8 p.m. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

4 thoughts on “STEVIE BATEMAN

  1. Dear Stephanie, I always loved greeting you at church. You were so welcoming and I was always glad to see you and Rowland. You will be missed by all who knew you. Be at peace!

  2. Stevie, my Loving Sister in Law and my Enduring Friend. So many warm memories over so many years. She had a gift to comfort friends and make them feel special. She had a natural talent for cooking and serving delicious meals and she learned the art of Baking Brown Bobbies from Mom Bateman and sharing them with family and friends. She abounded in Love for her family and was always a devoted Wife and Mother. I will miss you. Those who Love her, take comfort in your memories.

  3. Very well written. I didn’t know she was a lifeguard!
    She was also an evangelist and together with Rowland gave out hundreds of Bibles.

  4. We spoke by phone the first of February, she mentioned that she was going to have a bag of her “Brown Bobbies” ready for my planned summer return to Elburn. Over the years, I greatly enjoyed our conversations. She was a great person, a good parent and a wonderful wife to Roland. God bless Stevie as she reunites with her husband. My best wishes to the remaining family. Hope to see you this coming summer.

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