Shirley Maxine Batali Obituary (2025)

Shirley M. Batali, 86, passed away on September 20, 2025. She was born to Henry and Ruth (Bustetter) Zier and raised on her family's orchard in West Valley. It was there that she developed a love of animals and the outdoors where she climbed trees, ran with her dogs and cats, spent time with her brother and his friends and rode her horse. She grew to love sports, especially basketball, a passion that stayed with her for life. She graduated from West Valley High School in 1957, where she was named Girls' Athletic Association Girl of the Year and received a drama award. She built wooden apple boxes and picked apples in her parents' orchard and worked at a packing warehouse before attending Yakima Valley Junior College, Washington State College and Central Washington State College, where she earned her teaching degree as the first college graduate in her family. Shirley met the love of her life, Joe Batali, Jr. through his sister. They were married on June 20, 1964, and built a life together centered on family, community and shared purpose. She taught a combined six+ years in White Swan and Harrah which were communities dear to her heart. She taught multiple grades, started a remedial reading program and served as librarian. When her daughter was born, she stepped away from full-time teaching but continued to value education and friendships with her students. Mom was a giver in many ways, including how she served her community through a variety of roles. Her desire to provide opportunities led her to many years of volunteering and championing for many organizations, including leading Girl/Boy Scouts and 4-H, chaperoning class trips, participating in PTA and Band Boosters to being the unofficial photographer at school and community events. She enjoyed her social groups, including Sons of Italy, RV groups and Daughters of the Nile. Mom and Dad loved to go to Mariners and Bears games, making many new friends. They created countless memories traveling in their RV with family and friends. Her grandchildren woke up looking forward to her pancakes. Mom loved to give gifts. She celebrated birthdays and special events with great effort, always with cake, cupcakes, or a little something sweet or sugar free, especially for those who were far from home. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary. More than a few friends would "just happen" to stop by knowing a fresh batch was likely on the counter. She delivered plates of her homemade fudge to friends and neighbors during the holidays. Mom loved to bake and share apple pies with apples from our orchard. She even froze and mailed them for her children to enjoy with their college friends. When she lived in independent and assisted communities, her gifts became bags of chocolates or her go to "Werther's Original Candies" for her family and her many friends including residents, caregivers and staff. Mom and animals were drawn to each other developing many special relationships as evidenced by the dogs and cats Mom and Dad had at their home. She was especially drawn to her cat, EB, who she visited with by FaceTime weekly the last two years. When Mom recently moved to Idaho, she spent most Sundays with EB curled on her lap while watching Mariners games or I Love Lucy. Her grandpups, Kramer in Yakima and Bella in Meridian, loved her and happily would greet Grandma with a toy or kiss on the face. She adored her grandchildren, and they so enjoyed their time with their Grandma Shirley. She rarely missed their activities by cheering at sports, attending school events, or supporting them at bazaars. Mom's competitive spirit showed in games of one-on-one basketball with her grandchildren, while her steady encouragement helped them grow. They each had a special bond with their grandma, with all having a special laugh and smile with her. She was happy to attend the wedding ceremony of her grandson Connor to Ellee. Mom enjoyed watching their sweet relationship grow through their dating years. Mom was a remarkable woman, person, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and a friend to many. She was full of compassion, generosity, laughter, love, and unconditional care. She was quick to welcome people and make friends and was always checking on family and friends. Her faith guided her through life's challenges with strength, grace and dignity. She loved getting others to smile with a funny face or silly story. Dad used to say with a big grin "Watch how this place brightens up when she walks in". She shared the art of laughter and joy generously, especially with her grandkids, and it's easy to see her light reflected in the smiles of those she loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Don, her granddaughter Elise and her husband Joe. She is survived by her daughter Jorene (Rudy Vaughn), her son Mike (Michelle), her grandsons Connor (Ellee) and Tanner and her grandpets. While her passing is hard for us, we find peace in reflecting on her unconditional love of others and her true gift of bringing smiles and laughter into the world. Please join us for a social gathering to celebrate Mom's life on Monday, September 29, anytime between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Sunrise Room of the Adams Building on the campus of The Terraces, 211 N. 40th Ave, Yakima. In Mom's memory, do something that brings a smile to someone's day or contribute to a charity that spreads joy and happiness.