Karen Bateman

KAREN BATEMAN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Karen Virgie Bateman, 67, of Idaho Falls, died February 7, 2010, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of natural causes. Karen was born September 25, 1942, in Idaho Falls, the daughter of Linden F. and Bernice Patterson Bateman. As a girl, she loved the outdoors and looked forward to picking huckleberries with her family in Kelly Canyon, fishing trips to Camas Meadows and visits to her grandparents' ranch near Carey. Later in life she developed a fond attachment to Stanley Basin and the Salmon River country. She loved the melancholy of lonely mountain streams in late fall. Karen attended local schools and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1960. She then attended Brigham Young University, where she obtained a bachelor degree in education in 1964. For many years she was a social worker in California. In 1972, she married Robert Polesie. They later divorced, but remained lifelong friends. Karen was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a passion for Bateman family genealogy. She loved church history and was recognized in the LDS Church News for her role in securing a monument for the Joseph Smith Sr. ancestral home in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Karen also possessed a vivid interest in Native American history and culture. She and Robert frequently visited Shoshone-Bannock festivals at Fort Hall and other tribal events throughout the west. At age 61, Karen obtained a Masters' Degree in Education from Idaho State University. Even though she was retired, she decided to get the degree because of her love of knowledge. She is survived by a brother, Linden B. (Deann) Bateman of Idaho Falls, two nephews and a niece. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at the Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Ruby Sharp Mr. Bateman and family, We want to express our deepest sympathies for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who gives us comfort at times like this no one else can give. Ruby Sharp and family