Anthee "Toni" Batson

 Anthee (Toni) Batson, 100

 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Proverbs 30:30

WOLFEBORO – Anthee (Toni) Batson passed from this life into eternity on Thursday December 27, 2018 at Mountain View Community in Ossipee with family at her side.

Toni was born January 2, 1918 to George and Ada (Mabe) Felos in Franklin Heights, Illinois. She was the eldest of their children; her younger sisters were Vickie and Georgia.

Her husband, Bernie, of 76 years predeceased her in April; she was the love of his life. They were dedicated to each other and to the LORD, Jesus Christ. They were married on November 11, 1941; four weeks before the start of World War II. She followed Bernie after his basic training as he trained in Virginia and California before his leaving for service in the Navy Seabees in the Pacific. He served as a Chief Petty Officer in the Pacific Theatre building airstrips. His love of construction and management took Bernie and Toni to many states and to Belgium, Turkey, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling down in 1971 on an apple and peach farm in Cedaredge, CO where they enjoyed farming. This was a life style change that they both enjoyed. In 1999, Bernie and Toni moved to Birch Hill Estates in Wolfeboro, NH to be near their son, Bob, and his family. Four generations of Batsons moved to Wolfeboro.

While in Wolfeboro, Bernie and Toni were active in the Tuftonboro United Methodist Church, with Bible studies in their home, helping with church suppers, and more. Toni’s delicious cinnamon rolls, Greek cookies, Easter bread, and other pastries were well-known as she was generous in her baking and sharing. They loved their years in New Hampshire.

Toni loved the LORD, her husband, Bernie, family, and helping people. November 2017, Bernie and Toni celebrated 76 years of marriage with friends and family at Mountain View Community. In January 2018, Bernie, family, and friends celebrated Toni’s 100th Birthday. Whether in South Africa volunteering at the hospital or at Mountain View making needlepoint Angels, Toni loved people and people returned that love. She lived a blessed life with family and friends all over the world that she wrote hundreds of hand-written letters throughout the year. Each night, she prayed for her family and her friends by name asking God to watch over them. Whenever anyone was leaving, her response was “Love you and God bless you”.

During their years in Cedaredge, Toni was taught Sunday School in Cedaredge Methodist Church, and began hand making “Angel dolls” for abused children and Alzheimer’s patients. During the last 25 years, she made 1500 – 2000 Angel dolls; each doll was individually blessed for the child who was to receive it. Then they were donated to hospitals in Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. This was her “ministry”; a Proverbs 31 woman.

She leaves behind two sons, James Batson of West Columbia SC and Bob Batson and his wife Donna of Wolfeboro; three grandchildren, Sgt. Scott Batson of AZ, Craig Batson and Carrie (Batson) Fogg and husband Bryan of Wolfeboro; three great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Her nieces, Roberta, Kathryn, and Carolyn and nephew Bill were a special part of Bernie’s and Toni’s family; their calls and voices minutes before her passing released her from her suffering while her son, Bob, and his wife Donna were by her side.

A special thanks to Mountain View Community for the love and care they extended to Bernie and Toni during their residence of four years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Toni’s name to Mountain View Community, 93 Water Village Road. Ossipee, NH 03864.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 12 at 11 AM at the Tuftonboro United Methodist Church.

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