Elsie Marie Batdorf…February 4, 1923 – December 6, 2015

Elsie Marie Batdorf

Elsie Marie Batdorf, 92, passed away on December 6, 2015 at her La Junta home. She was born on February 4, 1923 in Hartman, Colorado to Ross & Effie (Sparks) Cramblet. She married Duane K. Batdorf on October 19, 1940; he preceded her in death on February 17, 1993.

Elsie was born during a time when the only way to get to the one room schoolhouse was by horse. She learned to ride at a very young age and even learned to do some trick riding. She and her mother survived a tornado that took their entire house and only leaving behind the wooden table with them clinging to it. Soon after marrying Duane she got to enjoy living in a few different states which included New York, Massachusetts, Florida and Wisconsin while he was in the military. She worked many years as a secretary and then clerk of the county court and met many interesting people. Her favorite things she enjoyed were traveling and photography. Her photographs won her many awards over the years and brought her great enjoyment. She enjoyed outdoor photography and taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be truly missed by family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Deann (Danny) Johnson of La Junta; son, Ron Batdorf of La Junta; sister-in-law, Georgia Read of Colorado Springs; grandchildren, Jonathan Johnson of Avon, CO; Jill (Brent Tschikof) Johnson of Dayton, OH; Paul (Becky) Pakune of Tuscon, AZ; and Carlos Pakune of Denver, CO; great-grandchildren, Olvia Whatley, Jaxon, Carter, and Owen Tschikof; and Julian Pakune; several nieces & nephews and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant sister, Irene Cramblet, brother, Beryl Cramblet, sister, Lois Nordyke, brothers-in-aw, Dale, Franklin, and Benton Batdorf, and Gene Read, sisters-in-law, Elsie Cramblet, Mary and Millie Batdorf and Thelma Watkins.

Funeral services will be Monday, December 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Peacock Family Chapel in Lamar with Reverend Ian Blacker of the First Christian Church in Lamar officiating. Interment will follow at the Hartman Cemetery in Hartman, Colorado.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Arkansas Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com.  Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.