1923 – Jan. 22, 2019
Afton Jones Bateman, 95, passed from this life on Jan. 22, 2019, in St. George, Utah. She was born in 1923 in Cedar City, Utah, to H. Marvin and Lucy Esplin Jones. She married Alfred Van Orden (Orden) Bateman on May 21, 1946, in the St. George Temple.
Afton spent her life in service to others and served in many organizations in the community and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She volunteered her time working in the VFW Auxiliary and in many church assignments, including service as Stake Relief Society President. In her later years, she indexed over 60,000 names for the Family Search program.
Afton loved to read, cook and especially enjoyed reading cookbooks. She and Orden were charter members of the Red Rock Road Runners RV group; she enjoyed traveling and camping. She always enjoyed learning new things. Together, Afton and Orden took French classes and learned how to weave on a loom. She even taught some of her grandchildren to knit, crotchet and weave.
Interacting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy, especially throughout the last few years of her life. She loved spending time with family and friends. People energized her.
Afton loved to play games and formed a game-playing group with other widows; she continued playing games until two days before her passing, still winning her hand at cards.
She loved her family and was fortunate to spend her final years living with her son and daughter-in-law, Lynn and Kris.
Afton is survived by her three children: Candace (Duane) Hansen, Lynn (Kris) Bateman, and Mary (Rob) Merrill; nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; and her younger brother, Donald E. Jones.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at the Pine View Stake Center, 595 N. 2450 East, St. George, Utah.
- A visitation will be held prior to services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church.
- Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.
For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.