Meredith " VIOLA" (Thomas) Batuski

On Saturday, November 2, 2019, Meredith “Viola” Thomas Batuski, 93, finished her earthly journey and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   A "Celebration of Life" Service for her will be held 10:30 am on Friday, November 8th, 2019, at First Baptist Church of Painesville, 10801 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Painesville, Ohio. Interment will be at 2:30 pm at Beaver Center Cemetery, in Beaver Center, PA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and also from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville.

Viola was born on December 6, 1925, in Beaver Center, PA to William and Dorothy (nee Rudler) Thomas. Though growing up during the depression years, her hard working and loving parents made sure she and her three brothers had a good life.  She loved being outdoors and spent many hours enjoying nature.  She played on her school's basketball team and also was a cheerleader at half time!  As an actress in many school plays, she often played the lead.  After graduation she worked at Talon in Meadeville.  As well as being a good dancer, she became a terrific roller skater and could "flea hop" well into her seventies. Being an adventurous person, she traveled all over this continent and had many wonderful stories to tell. Her bright personality attracted others, and she made many lifelong friends.

Viola met the love of her life, Chester S Batuski, at a wedding reception. They married in 1954 and Chet's occupation brought them to Painesville.  In 1957, they made Fairport Harbor the home where they would spend the rest of their lives together.  Viola was always thanking God for blessing her with a wonderful family.  She continued pursuing many interests including sewing, cake decorating, and furniture refinishing.  Serving the Lord was important to her. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Painesville and taught Sunday School, VBS, served as a deaconess, on missionary committees, church meals, and more.

Viola is survived by son Thomas (Teri) Batuski of Madison; daughters, Susan (Tim) Gosline of Westlake, and Rita Combs of Chardon; grandchildren, Scott Brandt, Christopher, Jennifer, and Brandon Gosline, Dorothy (Ted) Kirk, John Chester (Keturah), Joshua (Samantha), and Jordan Combs, Benjamin and Sarah Batuski; great-grandchildren, Darcy Brandt, Magdalena, Judah, and Lydia Kirk, and Esther Combs; dear family friend Ray Zronek; many nieces and nephews; and many loved friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chester “Chet” Batuski; brothers, George, Melford and Blaine Thomas.

Memorial gifts may be made in her name to the charity of your choice. Suggestions include First Baptist Church of Painesville or Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation (www.crhcf.org).  

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