Orville BATESON

BATESON, Orville R. "Rich" -- Age 68, of Gaines, died May 2, 2012 at his residence. Funeral services will be 11:00AM Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Pastor Brian McKay officiating. Interment will follow at Crestwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 6-9PM and Saturday 10AM until time of service at the funeral home. Rich was born August 23, 1943 in Grand Rapids the son of the late Donald William Sr. and Lillian Mae (Mull) Bateson. He married Nancy Foster in Durand on October 9, 1999. Rich was a graduate of Beaverton High School. He was employed by General Motors as a machinist until his retirement in 2006. Rich was a family man, who more than anything, cherished each moment he shared with those he loved. Rich enjoyed riding his 1993 Harley Davidson Softtail Custom Motorcycle. He was a long time Morel mushroom picker and also enjoyed golfing and playing pool. Surviving are his wife, Nancy; 5 children, Michele Bratcher (Kirk Wilson) of Charlevoix, Sherri Sutherby of West Branch, Betty Jo Fritz (Andy) of North Carolina, Roger Bateson (Kelly) of Prescott, Scott Bateson (Frankie) of Prescott; step-mother, Mary Bateson of Ohio; brother, Donald William Bateson Jr. (Coral) of Pentwater; sister, Patricia Frye (Marvin) of Gladwin; 10 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Special love and thanks to Nancy and Kelly for their unconditional dedication to Rich, and to Lutheran Hospice for their professional care. Online condolences and tributes may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Friday, May 4, 2012 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States