Gae Nell Bateman

Gae Nell Johnston Bateman of Idaho Falls, died Thursday November 2nd at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Gae was born September 22, 1936 to Thomas R. Johnston and Helen L. Schneiter Johnston in Menan, Idaho. She grew up on the family farm and attended schools in the Menan area. Gae married Leon Schwartz of Mud lake, Idaho. Of this marriage, a son, Lyle was born. They were later divorced. She married Rex Kay Anderson of Thornton, Idaho. Of this marriage, two daughters, Kaylyne and Cathy were born. They were later divorced. She married Gerry A. Bates, of Rigby Idaho. Gerry died in Needles, California in 1999 after 26 years of marriage. She married Dee V. Bateman of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Dee died in 2012 in Bull Head City, Arizona after 11 years of marriage. Gae worked her early years as a cashier at Highland IGA and Cooks IGA.  She began working for the City of Idaho Falls, in the Utilities Department in 1972, working various positions until her retirement in 1998. Gae loved the warm winters in Bullhead City Arizona and warm summers in Idaho Falls. She would make her treks back and forth come October and April. Gae followed the footsteps of her Mother and was an avid quilter. She made beautiful baby quilts and blankets for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. Anyone who was lucky enough to get a quilt or blanket cherished it like it was gold. In her younger years she loved camping, fishing and hunting; spending a lot of time in the Kelly Canyon area and Island Park area. She would trek the hills for huckleberries, go scouting for elk, and spend numerous weekends boating and fishing. In her later years she took up golfing and was a member of the Jefferson Hills Ladies Golf Association. She spent many enjoyable days on the Jefferson Hills golf course honing her skills. She was part of the Idaho Falls Sister Cities organization between Tokai-Mura and Idaho Falls. She made several trips with her Granddaughters to Japan and hosted families from Tokai-Mura. Gae is survived by her daughters, Kaylyne Anderson (Matthew Miles) and Cathy Wagner (Al); son Lyle Schwartz (Susan); Sisters Ellen Walker, Shirley Sager and Fern Hall (Tom); brothers Ralph Johnston (Joy) and Frank Johnston (Charlene); Five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Helen Johnston, husbands Gerry Bates and Dee Bateman; brothers Earl and Tommy Johnston.   The Family will greet family and friends from 11:00 to 12:45 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2017 at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West Main, Rigby, Idaho. A funeral service will follow from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery following services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association, 55 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601 (Referrer: Gae Bateman)