the one with my mom’s obituary
Betty Cheryl Batcheller
September 5, 1944 to April 6, 2024
Betty Cheryl Batcheller, 79, of Downieville, California, graduated to her heavenly home on April 6th, 2024, surrounded by her family in Lubbock, Texas, held in their arms, and kissed goodbye, entering into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Cheryl was born to parents Ollie and Laverne Helton in Madera, California on September 5, 1944. In her early years, she spent her days riding horses and causing mischief with her three sisters in central California on her family’s ranch. She also loved to swim and play sports and anything to do with the outdoors. Upon high school graduation, she went to Asbury Christian College in Kentucky, earning a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education & PE. She originally had aspirations to be a teacher and coach; however, God had other plans for her and she became our beloved mother instead, devoting her life to her children as a stay at home mom in the early years. Later on, she used her administrative skills and warming personality, in banking, finance, and even dental work. Upon retirement, she worked in social services for Sierra County, helping the underserved in her community.
In between college graduation and retirement, Cheryl lived in the midwest, first Kentucky, then Missouri, and finally Oklahoma where she resided until her daughters graduated high school. She eventually found her way back to Madera, California and in March of 1986, she met her husband, Donnie Batcheller. They met after a Sunday morning church service. They were married two months later and celebrated 37 years of matrimony before Donnie passed in July 2023. Cheryl describes her meeting Donnie like a whirlwind that came into her life with the dust never settling. The lady had met her cowboy.
Some of Cheryl’s most treasured years were when she, along with Donnie, pioneered a small church in the tiny remote town of Goodyear’s Bar, California. They called it “The Lord’s Meeting House”. Their ministry together touched many lives and was one of Cheryl’s most cherished vocations.
In 2022, Cheryl and Donnie moved from their little mountain cabin in Downieville, CA to Lubbock, Texas to be closer to family. There, Cheryl lived with her daughter Kristin Bednarz who lovingly took care of her in her home. Donnie graduated to heaven in July of 2023 and Cheryl made one final trip to Downieville to bury her cowboy at Goodyear’s Bar Cemetery, near the old schoolhouse, The Lord's Meeting House, where they had ministered to so many people years before. Her heart was so full and blessed to be able to spend time with old friends and family who came to bid farewell to Donnie.
She will be missed by those she left behind. Her sister, Debra Helton Weaver Weaver of Buchanan, Michigan, her two daughters, Kim Lovold of Long Beach, California, and Kristin Bednarz, of Lubbock, Texas. Kim, married to Craig Lovold, of Long Beach, CA has three children, Noah Lovold and his wife, Amber of Washington, DC., and two daughters, Abby and Hope of Long Beach, CA. Kristin Waits Bednarz is married to Devin Bednarz of Slaton, Texas and has two children, their two daughters, Kalyn Marie Bednarz and fiancé Reilly Gwin, of Lubbock, Texas and Summer Bednarzr of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by her step-son, Jason Batcheller, his wife Chanda, and their family of California.
Through the years, all the children and grandchildren would visit and come to love the area that Cheryl & Donnie lovingly called their little piece of Sierra County in Indian Valley, God’s piece of heaven on earth.
For his anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
-Psalm 30:5
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It would be impossible for us to describe mom’s generosity and unwavering optimism and faith in Gods goodness. And she never stopped sharing His goodness with those around her, always lending a helping hand or listening ear to those in need. She was a JOY to be around and we will miss her dearly.
See you in the “morning”, Mom.
Happy Mother’s Day. We love you so much!
