Virginia “Ginny” Marie Batz

Virginia "Ginny" Marie Batz, (nee Hartmann) Passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 11, 2021, at the age of 99. She was preceded in death by her parents Philip Gottlieb Hartmann, Jr. and Katherine Marie (Schlink) Hartmann, her husband Arthur Fred Batz, Jr., her daughter Cynthia Louise (Batz) Rachow and son-in-law Bruce Michael Rachow, two sisters and brothers-in-law Celeste Lorraine (Hartmann) (Dale) Robinson and Laverne Florence (Hartmann) (Jack) Leinauer, Ralph and Myrtle (Batz) Haufle, and Nellie Haufle. Virginia is survived by her daughter Katherine Marie (Batz) Elmestad, son-in-law Gary Elmestad, Grandchildren Bryan (Kristen) Rachow, Alex (Lauren) Elmestad, Kyle (Jana) Rachow, and Lauren Elmestad, seven great-grandchildren LilyAnne, Kody and Jack Rachow, Hope and Faith Rachow, Beatrix and Leo Elmestad. Beloved aunt to Gail (Jim) Stuckenberg, Karen (late-Gary) Behlmann, Tom (Mary) Leinauer, Carol (Bob) Lubeley and Tim (Bridget) Leinauer; MaryAnn Batz Pierce. She treasured friendships from neighbors, school, work, family friends, and her retirement community. Friends were special and many turned into extended family - her best friend, Edna, Dallas & Kathy, and so many others.

Virginia was born May 29, 1921 and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Adams School in 1936 and graduated from William McKinley High School in 1940. She married Arthur Batz at Wagoner Memorial Methodist Church in 1946. She worked numerous jobs including the Small Arms Plant, U.S. Cartridge Company during WWII, DeHart Elementary School Cafeteria, and Stix, Baer & Fuller/Dillard’s. Ginny and Art raised their daughters in St. Ann, Missouri where she lived for 49 years before moving to Jaycee Fairgrounds Village in St. Charles, Missouri where she lived more than 20 years before moving in with her daughter, Katherine. She was blessed with the friendship of many wonderful ladies and gentlemen at Fairgrounds, enjoying activities such as quilting, potlucks, birthday parties, bus trips and bingo. If there was an event happening, she was always in attendance. She was a member of Marvin Park Methodist Church in St. John, Missouri and later Stephens Memorial Methodist/Harmony Church. She enjoyed camping and traveling with family and friends. Many weekends were spent camping at State Parks on the river and lakes around Missouri. Summer vacations were road trips, sightseeing, and camping across the United States. Over the years her pastime activities were plenty. She enjoyed watching game shows, doing word search puzzles, embroidery, quilting, reading, volunteering, PTA, gardening, watching Lawrence Welk, listening to big band and gospel music, spending time with grandchildren, sewing, family reunions, lunch and dinner with friends, cruises, and playing rummikub and working puzzles with her granddaughter, Lauren. In her later years, she was excited to welcome each new great-grandchild, holding them and watching them play - they were a special joy. Ginny had a special love for dark chocolate, milkshakes, and sipping Mogen David Blackberry Wine, and she never, ever passed up having a dessert. She made the best homemade Ham and Bean Soup – which her daughter continued to prepare for her up to her final days. Family was always her first concern. She cared tirelessly for many family members through the years. She was selfless, and never said no to someone needing her. What a wonderful world this would be if everyone could be touched by someone as kind and caring as her. Thank you to the staff of the Villages of St. Peters, where Virginia resided during the final months of her life, for the compassionate care received.

Services are private. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at East Cemetery, Jacksonville, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.