Christine Batley

Christine Ruminer Batley, 84, took her final trip on Sunday, November 29, 2020, our tears and prayers carried her to the other shore where we know she was greeted with open arms by God and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ along with all those she had loved and had already made the journey. She is no longer in pain.

Mama was born on February 6, 1936 in Gatewood, Missouri to Lewis Ruminer and Lillie Sisk Ruminer. She was the 11th of 15 children. Her childhood was simple living in the woods with no running water and an outhouse. She would speak fondly of those times as a child, swimming and fishing in the nearby creek and walking to the country store to get the mail. Though they didn’t have money, there was always a meal on the table and love in the home. Returning for family reunions was a joy for mama as she got to see her brothers, sisters and all of her nieces and nephews. Visiting the small country church at New Home where her family was buried always brought her peace. Family was everything to mama. After marrying our father at 16, mama would move whenever dad would get itchy feet to see someplace different. To name a few places, California, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and the list goes on. Mama was a pastor’s wife and loved being one. She taught Sunday School classes, organized bake sales, cleaned the church, whatever needed to be done, she did with joy in her heart. Mama was a lifelong member of the Church of God. After settling here in Roswell, she would work at Anthony’s, then NMMI but her favorite job would be as school secretary at St. Andrews School and later at All Saints School.

Mama raised 5 rowdy children whom she loved with all of her heart. She knew that if one didn't think of it, another would. She was a tiny little thing but when she told you to do something you did it because she raised us to honor our parents. We loved mama’s sweet tea, which contained a whole lot of sugar and always a favorite at gathering. We think sweet tea runs in our veins. Her pinto beans, fried potatoes, cornbread and creamed tacos was a meal no one ever missed.

Mama was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings expect for one sister.

Mama, is lovingly cherished, a woman who lived God’s word every day and loved by all who knew her.  She was a “prayer warrior” who continually prayed for her family before the throne of God, the one who nurtured us, raised us, instilled the uncommon values in us she cherished, and then she did the same with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She is survived by her sister, Marvene Simpson, of St. Louis, Mo; Cheryl Meyer-Qubain (Majid), of Norman, OK; Roger Batley of Roswell, NM; Chiquita Hammonds (Ken) of Roswell, New Mexico; John Batley (Amy) of Harrah, OK; Cathy Seely of Roswell, NM, and her 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 4, 2020 at New Covenant Church of God, 1601 W. McGaffey, Roswell, NM with Rev. Grajeda officiating.  New Covenant Fellowship Church of God requests all to please follow Covid19 guidelines with face masks and social distancing.

Pallbearers will be John Batley, Ken Hammonds, Brandon Hammonds, Bryant Hammonds, Tyler Seely and Wyatt Seely. Honorary pallbearer will be Roger Batley.

The family would like to thank Megan Brandt, FNP-C, who cared so lovingly for mama during the last 3 weeks of her life.

For those who would like to attend virtually the service will be on the Facebook page of New Covenant Fellowship at 11:00 am, December 4, 2020.