Waneta Bell (Cutshaw) Batten

Sep. 18, 1927 - Apr. 11, 2016

CASSOPOLIS - Waneta Bell (Cutshaw) Batten, 88, of Cassopolis, passed away Monday, April 11, 2016, in her residence. Waneta was born September 18, 1927, in Mishawaka, to the late Gertrude Brown and Gerald Cutshaw. On September 29, 1945, in Buchanan, Michigan,

Waneta Cutshaw, 18 years old, married John Owen Batten, 20 years old, her loving husband of 61 years, passed away July 17, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Larry Jenks.

Waneta is survived by her daughter, Marcia (David) Malicki, of South Bend, and two grandchildren, Ross Malicki and Jamie Malicki, both of South Bend.

Waneta attended Washington Clay High School.

Waneta loved to do genealogy and quilts, with her good friend Jo Meek. Waneta was so active, she loved to water ski, taught swimming, and she always loved renting a cottage on a lake with good friends. She loved the water so much, she and John built a house on the water. Her favorite cartoon on TV was the Jetson's, she thought that would be a great way to live. Waneta completed her bucket list, flew in a Hot Air Balloon, rode on an open cockpit plane, and a glider in Colorado, did a light house tour, loved riding roller coasters, and any thrilling ride at the amusement park.

Waneta loved her jazz music and got to meet her all-time favorite musician, Pine Top Perkins. She told him when she passed that his music would be played at her funeral, which we are going to make happen for her.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Senior 1 Care, Mary Cramer, and her son-in-law David Malicki for all their loving care, comfort, and support they provided to Waneta.

Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 14th, at Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Road. Funeral services with be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 15th at the funeral home, with Father Steve Lacroix C.S.C. officiating. Private burial will be held at Bakertown Cemetery, Buchanan, Michigan. In Waneta's memory contributions may be made to Grace Hospice, 2725 Airview Blvd., Suite # 101, Portage, Michigan, 49002 or to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P. O. Box 515, Northampton, Massachusetts, 01061-0515. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

09/15/2022 EJS