It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Helen Rae Coleman (Bateman).
Helen went to be with our Lord on Saturday, May 23, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 19, 1932 in Noland, AK., the daughter of Lena Margaret Tracy and Ray Davis. Helen graduated from Wheeler High School in 1950.
On September 15, 1951, she married her first love, Ivan L. Bateman, who preceded her in death, Sept. 10, 1978.

She will be remembered for her quick wit, great sense of humor, and fun loving spirit. Even as she lay on her death bed, in excruciating pain, she would verbally spar with her kids, especially her son-in-laws, Tom & Jerry, and end it with a swift slap to the head. Helen's heart was filled with love for her family and friends and they meant everything to her. It brought her great joy to host holiday and summer get-togethers, like the annual pig roast. As remembered by one of her nephews, "there was always a party at Aunt Helen's". All those close to Helen benefited from her love of life, infectious smile and her talent for crochet. Helen was a volunteer for many years at Methodist Hospital and was the master at making crochet hats and blankets for all the newborns.
Helen and Ivan's mutual passion for ballroom dancing brought them great respect on the dance floor. From the Waltz to the Fox-trot, they were an expert at them all. But, it was their flare for the Jitterbug that would clear any dance floor with their lively moves.

She leaves with cherished memories of her: six children, Dale Bateman (Paula Ensign), Daryl Bateman, Dan Bateman, Pat (Jerry) Carr, Dean "Chug" (Laura) Bateman, and Lorri (Tom) Philbin; 13 grandchildren, Tami Bateman, Tina Bateman, Stephanie (Billy) Rippel, Deanna Bateman, Steven Erwin (Kara Somers), Ivan Bateman, Christina Bateman, Robert Field, Adam Gates, Jayson Tellado, Celia Tellado, Nicholas Mitidiero and Tommy Philbin; and 9 great grandchildren, Jason, Matthew, Ashley, Summer, Sydnie, Kaden, Landon, Damien, and Liam; Brothers, Rick and Joe Spargo; her "Babies: Fluffy and Race, and a host of other family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husbands, Ivan L. Bateman and Ralph C. Coleman; her parents; her siblings, Betty Grishka, Peggy Jackson, Dwayne Scott, and Donald Scott, and great grandson, Alexander Corbeille.

The family extends a special thank you to Helen's cardiologist of over 30 years, Dr. Jack Zeigler for his genuine care and compassion throughout the years. Helen truly loved and respected Dr. Ziegler. Even as Alzheimer's robbed her of her memory, she never forgot her long-time, well respected cardiologist. Many times, she would show up at his office without an appointment, just because she "wanted to see him". And, in her final hours, when he entered her room, her eyes lit up. Lastly, we would like to recognize the amazing nurses on 2W and 5W at St. Mary Medical Center for the loving care and support given to Helen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

A funeral service for Helen will take place Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 10:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN with Rev. Donald Good officiating. She will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.