Evelyn Norrine (Pankow) Battige

Evelyn Norrine (Pankow) Battige of Newaygo, Michigan left this life to be with her Lord on March 18, 2022 at the age of 97 years, under the care of Hospice and Fountain View Care Facility, after an injury from a fall.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervine and Hester Pankow of Scottville, her husband, Wilfred (Bill) T.H. Battige, her sisters, Kathlyn Dobias (James) and Florence Pankow, and brother, Ervine Pankow, Jr.  She is survived by her friend and sister-in-law, Loretta Pankow.  Evelyn is also survived by her six children:  Michal Becker, Peggy Bennitt (Blair), Kevin Battige (Paula), Randy Battige (Kerrie), Kelly O’Neil (James), and Leslie Fritch (Robert).  She was a loving Grandmother to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Evelyn attended County Normal and received her teaching certificate from Central Michigan.  She taught at various schools in Michigan, as well as in Colorado.  Married to Wilfred (Bill) in 1946, their first home was in Muskegon, Michigan where they began their family. They moved numerous times in their married life, relocating often to find better job opportunities.  Their last move was to Newaygo, Michigan.  She loved quilting, and made quilts for every child and grandchild, plus some.  She also made baby quilts for Newaygo County Community Services. 

Cremation has taken place per Evelyn’s wishes.  There will be a celebration of Evelyn’s life, to share memories of a life well-lived,  at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the Newaygo VFW Post 4249 with Pastor Joel Hoyer of Grace Lutheran Church in Coopersville officiating.  The service will be followed by a luncheon and time to visit with the family.  Evelyn will be missed and well-remembered by many, as a well-loved wife, mother, sister, and friend.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to Right to Life of Michigan.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.                

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