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MaryLee Batterton
04/30/1941 — 10/09/2008
From Benton, City, WA, US | Born in Benson, MN
MaryLee Batterton
MaryLee Coates Batterton, 67, passed away Thursday, October 9, peacefully, with her 5 children and their spouses by her side in Albuquerque, NM, after a short, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Robert Batterton.
MaryLee was born on April 30th, 1941 in Benson, MN to Frank and Florence Coates. She moved to Richland with her family from Vanport, Oregon in 1948 after the Columbia River Vanport Flood. She would later graduate from Columbia High School as a proud Bomber in 1959. MaryLee moved to Benton City, WA in 1972, where she resided for the past 36 years.
She was "mom" to many. Mom loved to read, work crossword puzzles, collect antiques, fish, garden, and spend time in her yard with Robert and her dogs Pita and Lacey, constantly welcoming her family and extended 'family' in for games, advice, or just a good time. "I don't invite everyone to my home, but when I invite you, it's your home."
She loved to travel with her sister, visiting family, special friends, or just escaping the winter cold. Along with Robert, MaryLee is survived by her 5 children, Tery Kelly Henry, Michael Shaunie Briggs, Wade Edward McMahon Briggs, David Barbara Briggs, and Michelle Russell Conklin. Stepchildren Kris Flerchinger, Tina Shane Miller, April McGreevy, and Heather Bill Fisk. Grandchildren Matthew, Melissa, Brianne, Derik, Lonnie, Kenny, Timothy, Kyle, Josh, Kodi, Levi, Stevi, C. J., Tyler, Miranda, Russell, and Colton. She also had 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and close friends that she considered family.
She is also survived by 2 sisters, Ann Marie 'Sis' Crow of Colorado and Beverly Karns of Richland and 2 brothers, Richard Coates of Valley, WA and James Coates of Prosser, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers John, Franklin, and William Bill Coates.
There will be a memorial service for MaryLee at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland, WA on Sunday, October 19th at 10am, and a reception at noon at Terra Blanca Winery in Benton City.
"Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you. If you must remember me with tears and sadness, don't remember me at all."
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to pancan.org Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Everyday for the last 48 years I have seen or talked to my mom. When I needed a hug she was there, when I needed a shoulder to cry on she was there, when I needed encouragement she was there, when I was in trouble and I was hoping she wouldn’t show up she was there! Now she’s gone from my sight and my life will be forever changed, I know she will always be here even though I cannot see her or touch her, I will forever feel her in my heart. I’ve lost one of my best friends and the one person that knew me the best. I could walk into her house with my best smile on when I was feeling blue, and the first thing she would say to me is “What’s wrong sweetheart” if I tried to tell her nothing she would come over and give me hug, tell me to “Tell mom & we’ll work it out, it’ll be OK” – she always seemed to know everything I needed, and was always willing to give it – I love you mom and always will – You were the best! Teej
Dave, Barb and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your memories of your precious Mother will help heal your broken heart!
Thinking of you,
Mando and Traci Enriquez
You have always been there to help us through the hard times. Now, I must be strong for you, even though these days are filled with so much sorrow. Remembering you with smiles and laughter will not be hard. There are so many wonderful memories. What hurts is knowing I won’t be able to walk through that door and see your smile… hug you… kiss you… or just answer the phone and hear the “Hi Sunshine” that always made me smile. You have touched so many lives and I’m so proud to call you Mom. I am grateful for all that you taught me. I love you Mom and miss you so much.
When I was a little guy I have many fond memories of going to Benton City to visit the âBriggs kidsâ and aunt MaryLee. This was always a fun time. I got to hang out with my cousins and aunt MaryLee always made me feel loved just like I was one of her kids. The âBriggs kidsâ and I all grew up but I always knew that I was welcome at aunt MaryLeeâs house. I would drop in occasionally when I was on bicycle ride with a friend. She was always happy to stop what she was doing and have a quick visit. Some friends were Christmas Caroling with brass instruments one year and we decided to drop in at aunt MaryLeeâs house. We played a song and she invited everyone in her home offering us food and hot cocoa. Once again she stopped everything she was doing and my friends and I felt so welcomed and comfortable. Recently I needed a safe place to stay for a short time and I went to aunt MaryLeeâs house. I knew everything would be OK when I got there. She had a way of making me feel at ease with myselfâ¦like a second mom. I guess it was just her nature. Iâll let her go with sadness and grief but the memories and feelings she etched into mind will live on in my heart and soul forever. If Iâm lucky Iâll be able to welcome family and friends just like you did aunt MaryLee with a big smile and attention to the moment. I will miss you and I Love You.
Aunt MaryLee, you always made me feel special and loved, welcoming me into your home with open arms and being there when I needed you. To Bob, Tery & Kelly, Mike & Shaunie, and to the other family members I didn’t know as well, my heart goes out to you in this difficult time. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family over the years. I’m sorry I’ll be out of town the day of the memorial service, but my thoughts are with you.
Marylee-You are the best friend I’ve ever had. I’m going to be so lost without you! You were always there for the best times we had and the worst which there wasn’t many. My heart goes out to you Robert and you 5 kids as I know what a wonderful wife and mother she was. And I know how you and the whole family loved her. She had so much LOVE for all of you! And you all for her.She made everyone feel special and she meant it. I know I’m a much better person for knowing her. My heart goes out to all of yous because of the special bond of LOVE you all had so it will hurt more. But thats what Love is. Keep in touch and you feel like talking about the good times with her-Call me. She will be in my memories everyday until I meet her again.Love you all and you too Joel. You were special to her. Love Carol
From ML to Mother-in-law to Mom
For 27 years now I have been a part of MaryLee’s life and she made it so easy for me to be a part of her family, I was always welcomed with open arms.
Mom was beautiful, her eyes were bright and her smile was kind and soft. Her heart was always open and full of love and she past this on to all of her kids and grandkids.
You are all so blessed to have her spirit in you.
Remember search for the golden moments in life and live large now.
I love you all – thanks for being my family
MaryLee always treated us like family. Whether she was inviting us and our kids to her house for Christmas, or giving Ruth flower and plant cuttings. She always seemed to be happy to see us. She was one of those “very special people” that you looked forward to seeing again. We are better for having known her. She will live on in our hearts forever.
MaryLee
For your laughter, love, and kindness, you’ll be with me on every fishing trip.
MaryLee
I only met you a handful of times, but in those few times you cetainly made me laugh and smile. I will carry those smiles with me, and always remember you fondly.
It was a shock to see this notice!
Marylee was part of the “girls” we “ran around with” at Chief Jo and
RHS. I will fondly remember the times that I spent the night at her
house and we talked for hours. I
have been away from the area for years and time melts away…but not
the wonderful memories.
God bless and keep her.
Ellen Foley Pope
I just heard about Aunt MaryLee’s passing and am very saddened. Many years have passed since I last saw her, but the memories of time spent in Benton City with my cousins will last with me forever. Lot’s of outdoor playtime, card games, the “Bear Hut”… And MaryLee always welcoming Paula and I on these many overnight adventures. It’s rare that a day goes by without something reminding me of these many happy times. I think of all of you fondly and send my wishes that all the happy memories of your mom will carry you through this tough time. Love to you all.
The family ties are never broken, even though ML is in the spirit world,I know I can call on her, talk with her and best of all, laugh with her. I am so grateful for the phone call she made to me from NM a few days prior to her death. Who was to know that would be our last conversation and it ended with those important words, “I love you”.
My heart aches for all you “Briggs Kids” in your sorrow, but I know one thing for sure – you are all going to be OK because of the way you were loved by your sweet mama. She was so very proud of each of you and your accomplishments in life. You are a great bunch of kids and I feel so honored to be your aunt – Love to all of you.
Uncle Dick says “ditto” to all of the above. He loved his little sister dearly.
I don’t know why exactly, but I was drawn to this page tonight to see if your obituary was still listed. Now I sit here crying after reading all the wonderful entries in this guestbook. You made a huge impact in so many lives. I have so many things I want to share with you, some good, some bad – just someone to help me through my life like you were always so good at! I thank god everyday that I have my sister! I miss you as much today as I did on 10-9-08, and I know that will never go away. I love you mom!
my condolences to the family. my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Aunt Mary Lee was truly a unique and wonderful person. I’m so glad we got see each other last summer at Aunt Bev’s. We send our condolences to her loving family and wish them strength during this difficult time.
Grams-I will love you and remember you forever-timmers
Condolences to all your family, MaryLee. We fondly remember the few but happy times we spent with you.
Barbara and Corbett
Mom,
I love you and miss you so much. A piece of my heart is missing, but I will always have the memories. Thank you for being the best mom.
Marylee, thank you for always making me feel welcome and loved. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with you. I always think of you on the Fourth of July! I think of you and your family often and love you all very much. I will miss you alot. Lots of love, Krysti
In have lost my wife, love of my life and best friend. I hope you continues to fill my heart with joy from afar. I love you so much, MaryLee.
I love you mom. I will miss you and think of you everyday. You gave me wings to fly. Thank you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. You are not forgotten, but kept alive in our memories. We miss you dearly!!
Mom B,
Thank you for welcoming me into your wonderful family. Always… with a BIG hugs and kisses! Your amazing children are the result of a job WELL DONE with lots of love! I am honored to be a part of your family! I miss you and love you very much!
I’m so sorry my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family’s.
Well Mom it’s been a year ~ it’s been the longest year of my life. I keep hoping that one day I am gonna wake up and it’s not going to hurt to think about you. I would never have thought that I could miss anyone so much. Everyday when I get home from work I want to pick up the phone and call you and I can’t, so I talk to with you my heart and I do what I think you would want me to be doing, I act the way I think you would want me to act … but it is so hard. I try to act like I am OK, I try to tell Shelly it’s going to be OK, I call the boys and I text message them at least once a week to make sure everyone is doing ok. I hope they are doing better than I am. I love you and I will never quit missing you and I am looking forward to the day I will see you again!!
Grams- i love you and i will miss you. i’ll think of you everyday. thank you for being there for me whenever i need you and thank you for everything that you have taught me. love you grams. -Kenners
Guestbook for
MaryLee Batterton