Sophie Olive Kunz Bateman, 75, 175 South Holden Street, Midavale, Salt Lake County, Utah died Nov. 28, 1969 in a Salt Lake hospital of natural causes. Born August 7, 1894, Williamsburg, Idaho to William J. and Anna Schmid Kunz. Married to Alberto W. Bateman, Dec. 17, 1913, Logan LDS Temple; he died August 1, 1941. Retired employee, Salt Lake County recorder. Worked in LDS Primary, President, Relief Society, Midvale Second LDS Ward. Surviors: Son, daughters, Duane A., Salt Lake City; Mrs. LeGrand (June) Black, Murray; Mrs. Ray (Ruth) Beck, Riverton; Mrs. William (Loa) Uremovich, Protland, Oregon; Mrs. Earl (Dawn) Brown, Sandy; Mrs Robert (Joyce)Burkinshaw, Midvale; Mrs. Arlen (Janyce) Fox, Cottonwood Heights; 22 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brothers, sisters, Willard, Montpelier, Idaho; Leslie, Pocatello; Mrs. Lewis Kunz, Mrs. Louis Eschler, both Montpelier; Mrs. Muyrtle Steckler, Bern, Idaho; Mrs. Alf Jensen, Ovid, Idaho. Funeral Tuesday 1 p.m., Midvale LDS Stake Center, 425 Jackson Street. Friends may call at Goff Mortuary at 8090 South State Street Monday from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday prior to services. Burial at Midvale City Cemetery on Dec. 2, 1969.

Sophie Olive Kunz Bateman was born on the 7th of August 1894 to William John and Anna Schmid Kunz at Williamsburg, Caribou County, Idaho. She was the fourth child of William and Anna.

Sophie commenced school at age six in October of 1901 at Wayan, Idaho. Sophie's eyes were a beautiful blue and her hair was brown. She was baptized by her Father William John Kunz on the 7th of August 1903 and confirmed the same day by her Grandfather John Kunz Sr.

On the 21st of February 1908 Sophie received a Certificate of Award for being never absent or tardy at School in Bern. John J. Rigby, Teacher. Sophie received a Patriarchal Blessing by Samuel Kunz in 1910.
Sophie graduated from school on the 1st of June 1912 in Bern, Idaho. Sophie was talented in music. Her Father William J. And Mother Anna encouraged music in the Family. Sophie played the Ukele, Piano and the Guitar.

Sophie said how she loved to ride horses and helped her Father do his work outside. Her daughter June said she was the best horse rider. Sophie was 5' and had blue eyes. The family moved to the Dairies each Summer to tend the cattle and make cheese. They would move back to Bern, Idaho for the Winter.

Sophie loved to dance and met her future husband Alberto Wilbur (Bert) Bateman at a dance. Bert was 5' 8 " and had blue eyes and brown hair. Bert had come to the Dairies to herd Bishop Gardner's sheep while he was recouperating from a serious operation.

Sophie and Bert fell in love over a period of time and were married in the Logan Temple for time and eternity by William Budge on 17th of December 1913. Sophie's parents were there. Bert and Sophie made a handsome couple.

Bert applied for a Homestead from the United States Government in the Williamsburg area. In the Spring of 1917 Bert received the Homestead. Bert was inducted into the Military during World War I. On the 28th of August 1917 Bert received a Military discharge so he could support his two (2) dependents. Sophie and Bert went to Utah to meet the Bateman Family. Work was scarce. They settled in Blackfoot, Idaho where Sophie had to have an operation some time later. Sophie received a Patriarchal Blessing on the 6th of May 1916 by John U. Stucki, Patriarch. Bert and

Sophie moved back to Bern, Bear Lake, Idaho where their first child June was born on the 2nd of June 1916. June was 8 lbs and the attending Physician was Dr. George F. Ashley. June was born in a one room log cabin next to Grandfather William John Kunz home. Sophie made a white dress for June for her blessing. This dress is still in possession of Family members.

On the 26th of April 1918 their 2nd Daughter Ruth was born in Bern, Bear Lake County, Idaho.

In 1918 there was a flu epidemic in the United States and the World. June remembers her Mother Sophie would give the children castor oil so they would not get sick.

In August 1919 Sophie was set apart as Primary president by Bishop Robert Schmid in the Bern, Idaho Ward. In 1919 Bert was 2nd Counselor in Mutual.

June remembers her Mother making making her a cake and fruit salad on her fourth Birthday picnic.

June also remembers her Father bringing a beautiful green pine tree home for Christmas at Bern, Idaho. She recalls seeing her parents light candles on the tree briefly.


On the 28th of November 1919 Bert and Sophie were presented 2nd prize in a Mutual dancing contest.

In 1920 Bert was was Scout Master in the Bern Ward.

On the 12th of December 1920 their 3rd Daughter Loa was born in Bern, Bear Lake County, Idaho. Loa weighed 9 1/2 lbs. Bert worked in the Phosphate mines near Montpelier to earn money.

In September of 1922 Bert, Sophie, June, Ruth and Loa moved to Green River, Wyoming. Bert worked for the Railroad icing refrigerator cars. Bert lost his job and Mother pregnant with three (3) girls moved back to Bern, Idaho.

Bert was looking for work on 2nd of June 1922 in Conda, Idaho.

Bert went back to Midvale (where his Father Alberto Delos Bateman lived) to find work.


In May of 1923 Bert, moved to Midvale, Utah. Bert began working in the Sharon Steel Midvale Smelter Baghouse . This Baghouse was filled with deadly arsenic used in spraying of fields for bugs. Both Bert and his Dad worked there. The arsenic was so powerful that it ate the lining out of their noses.

Sophie, June, Ruth and Loa traveled by train from Pocatello, Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah. Grandpa Alberto Bateman picked them up at the Union Pacific Train Depot. Bert and Sophie rented a home on Wasatch Street west of the railroad tracks. Bert was talented in baseball and wrote poetry.

On the 25th of August 1923 their 4th child and only Son Duane Albert Bateman was born at home on Wasatch Street. Duane weighed 91/2 lbs. And was attended by Dr. Quick.

In 1925 Bert bought and sold pedigree rabbits. He dressed the rabbits for market.

In 1926 Bert, Sophie and Family moved from Wasatch Street to # 55 Lennox Street.
In the same year Bert continued to buy and sell pedigree rabbits dressed for market.

On the 13th of September 1927 Sophie was set apart as Religion Class Stake Officer by Enoch Jorgenson.

On the 3rd of June 1928 Sophie was sustained and set apart as Relief Society President of the Midvale Second Ward.

In 1929 Bert raised chickens to make a living and support his family.

In June of 1930 Bert worked for the Draper Poultry Association Midvale Plant.

In March of 1930 Bert hauled coal for the West Jordan Lumber Company.

On the 25th of June 1930 Fourth Daughter Dawn Bateman was born at Mr. Miller's maternity Home.
On the 14th of September 1930 Sophie was released as Relief Society President after two (2) years of service.

On 1st of November 1930 Bert purchased 1 1/2 ton Ford Truck from Wasatch Motors for $275 dollars credit. The 1st payment was $43.30 for 17 months.
In 1931 the truck business was good. Bert hired Lew Steadman to Drive a 2nd Truck. Bert purchased a 2nd Truck from Frank C. How for $275 dollars credit.

On the 29th of July 1932 twin daughters Joyce and Janyce were born at Mr. Miller's Maternity home. Dr. A.V. Linsey of Midvale, Utah was the attending Physician.


To make it through the Depression years and supplement their food sources, Sophie and Bert had raised chickens, kept a garden and owned one (1) cow.

In 1933 the Depression hit Utah hard. Jordan High school was closed due to lack of funds. Bingham Mine shut down.

Bert lost most of his trucks. The family survived on a garden with chickens and one (1) cow for milk.

On the 26th of January 1934 Sophie was set apart as a Primary Teacher by Paul Dahl.

During January and February 1935 Bert visited his Sister Nan Hall at 411 Sierra Vista Ave., Monterey Park, California.

On the 28th of March 1935 Bert and Sophie's eldest Daughter June was married to LeGrand Black in the Salt Lake Temple by Joseph Christenson.

On the 30th of March 1935 LeGrand & June went to Aberdeen, Idaho to help LeGrand's Brother Perry on Pearl Clinger's Farm which Perry leased.

On the 31st of May 1936 Bert, Sophie and Family moved from 55 East Lennox Street to 175 South Holden Street, Midvale, Utah. This home was directly east of the Smelter.

On the 31st of May 1936 Sophie and Bert's first Grand daughter JoAnn was born to daughter June and son in law LeGrand Black in Cottonwood Maternity Home in Murray, Utah.

From August 12th 1936 through October 29th 1936 Sophie did volunteer work and cleaned houses.

On the 27th of September 1936 Sophie was called to be 1st Counselor in the Midvale 2nd Ward Primary by A.B. Rasmussen.

In 1937 Bert and Sophie's Family subsisted by having chickens, one (1) cow and a garden.

In 1938 Bert hauled feed and eggs for Utah Poultry in Midvale, Utah.

June said that Bert would take a chair with him to sit down on the way to and from work. Bert provided for his Family up to the end. It was so difficult for him to breathe. The lining of his nose was gone from work in the Smelter.
6.
Bert would haul coal. On the 6th of February 1941 Bert received a load of coal from Albert Christensen for 3,050 lbs. $9.90.

On the 1st of August 1941 Bert died at age 52 years and seven (7) months of Myocarditis (Inflamation of the lining of the heart) at his home at 175 So Holden, Midvale, Utah. Those present were his Wife, Dughter June, her husband LeGrand, Bert's Cousin & Friend Ezra Bateman and his Wife Ella and Iris Buhler. Other Family members were Son, Duane, Daughters Joyce, Janyce. Ruth and Ray were on a trip to Yellowstone and returned the next day. Great grandchildren present were JoAnn and Roger Black.

On the 5th of August 1941 the Funeral Services for Bert were held at the Midvale 2nd Ward at 2:00 PM. Bishop Henry Beckstead conducted. Speakers were: B.A. Rasmussen, a Member of the Bishopric, Bishop Robert Schmid, Faun Bateman's uncle Bishop Henry Bekstead. Music was by the Relief Society "Oh My Father" Mark Hall, " I come to the Garden Alone. Violin Solo by Roberta Carlquist, Duet, "Going Home" by Brother and Sister Brown of Draper. Bert was interred in Midvale City cemetary. The grave was dedicated by William John Kunz. Father- in-Law.

Sophie had six (6) children at home after Bert died. June said Sophie cleaned houses and took in laundry to help pay for food. This was a big burden for Sophie, but she did not complain.

June remembers the Love and Kindness shown to us by Father.

In 1942 Son-In-Law LeGrand Black helped Sophie find a job as an Abstractor at the County Recorders Office , Salt Lake City & County Building in Salt Lake, Utah for $380.00 dollars per month. She worked with Merle Stowe Chief Abstractor.

Sophie's son Duane served in the Marines in the Pacific theatre during World War 2. Sophie proudly kept a star in her window in their Holden home.

She worked after work at the Temple for many years. Each day she would take the bus from Midvale to Salt Lake to work. After work she would go to the Temple to do Temple work and travel home to Midvale by bus.

She loved the Temple and the work she did shows her devotion to her beliefs and God .

In 1953 Sophie was called to be the Mutual Attendance Secretary.

Sophie had an exceptional ability to listen. She would invite her family and friends over to her home on Holden street where she would attentively listen to their needs, concerns and desires. She was non-judgmental and gave advice from the heart. It was a healing experience to go to Grandma Sophie. Her home was a place of kindness, love and caring for all who visiter her.

Grandma Sophie loved to go on trips. She went many times with Family Members on trips to California, Idaho, Yellowstone, Oregon and Utah.

Grandma loved to have the Grandchildren stay over night at her home.

Friday through Sunday was time for Grandma Great. The children would get permission from their parents to stay over night. They would sleep sometimes in the bedroom and the front room. She would make them fresh rasberries from the garden and added half and half. She would always say a prayer before going to bed at night. All the children would kneel at the side of the bed while she prayed. You could he the trains from the Smelter through the open windows clang as they hitched, unhitched and put on their brakes. There was a distinct odor from the mill even on a cool night. Grandma had a pump for water in the back yard. The young children would get in a big tub and cool off in the Summer.

Grandma Sophie loved winning at the game Rook. She loved to win at Rook. She had an old player piano and many times the children played hangman on the blackboard.

Grandma had a brown rocking chair she used to like to rock in. This rocking chair is still in with Family members.

Grandma loved to eat at Maddox near Brigham City, Kentucky Fried Chicken at 3900 South in Salt Lake and Curlys on State Street next to Jordan High School. Many times after Baptisms or other important Holidays she would take Family members to Harmon's KFC or Curlys to eat.

Grandma Sophie was an excellent cook. Grandma Sophie would dye Easter eggs with onion leaves. She would make hand made butter candy, home made scones and rasberry jam. She also showed the grand children how to make vinegar fizzes.

Grandma Sophie was a staunch Republican. She loved to discuss politics with her Son-in-Law LeGrand who was a Democrat.

Grandma loved to listen and watch Lawrence Welk show on T.V.
every Saturday night. Family would gather round Sophie on the weekends and talk, play games and sit in the back yard.

In the 1960s Grandma Sophie had lung cancer which was later in remission.


On Tuesday the 19th of February 1969 Daughter June took Sophie to the LDS Hospital by ambulance. She was very sick.Sophie was operated on Friday the 28th of February 1969. She had cancer of the colon and had part of her colon removed and a colostomy.

On Sunday the 23rd of November 1969 LeGrand and Bishop Don administered to Sophie. She said " Ganny don't say anything."

On Monday the 24th of November 1969 Daughter June took her Mother Sophie to the LDS. Hospital. Lenore Richards was her Physician. Dr. Lenore tried valiantly to save Sophie.

Sophie died on the Friday the 28th of November 1969 at approx. 9:56 PM in the Salt Lake City Latter Day Saint Hospital from failure of the Adrenalin Glands at age 76. June said that she spent that night with her Sisters at Sophie's home.

Sophie's funeral was on the 3rd of December 1969. She was interred next to her husband Bert in Midvale City Cemetery.

Some of the things Sophie willed to her Family included her player piano, rocking chair, guitar, her old clock, memoribilia, etc.

What she didn't give in material things she shared with others through passing on kindness and skills which will live on in each of her Family members.