Theresa Battershell

Theresa L. Battershell, 96, of Dover, Ohio, died Sunday, November 17, 2002. Born in New Cumberland, Ohio, on August 26, 1906 she was a graduate of New Philadelphia High School and after her marriage in 1930, had lived most of her life in New Philadelphia, Ohio.One of her passions was sharing her love of music with family and friends. Her family fondly remembers the many times she gathered us at her piano to join her in song. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of New Philadelphia, where she offered her musical gifts as piano and organ accompanist, as well as singing in the choir. She had a beautiful voice, and in earlier years sang with her sisters, Mildred and Candace, as the “Banks Trio,” at many local events. She was also organist for the Eastern Star of New Philadelphia, where she was a member. She was also a member of the Qui Vive Literary Club as well as the McDowell and Fortnightly Music Clubs.Another of her passions was discussing politics and most of the time she was usually the best informed on world affairs, despite her loss of vision in later years. During World War II, she was employed at Reeves Steel Co. in Dover, and later as a sewing instructor, at Singer Sewing Center in New Philadelphia.However, her greatest passion and love, was for her family, who adored her. She was and will always be our guiding light, and inspiration to us all. Although she is sorely missed, she will remain in our hearts forever.She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ada Banks, her loving husband of 49 years, Emory Joyce Battershell, her sister Mildred Scott, and brothers, Donald and Willard Banks.Left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Robert and his wife, Thelma Battershell of Columbus, Ohio, Eileen Machan of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Barbara and her husband, Marlin Buckmaster of Vienna, West Virginia, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Karen, Dyan, Anne, David, Carol, Jim, Michael, John, Bill and Mary, also, seven great-grandsons and her devoted sister and brother-in-law, Candace and Jack Shaw of LaFayette, California.Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of New Philadelphia, Thursday, November 21, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service. The family requests memorials may be made to UMCOR (United Methodist Church Overseas Relief), Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice.