Bernadette Elizabeth Bateman

Bernadette “Bunny” Elizabeth Bateman, age 83, of Ligonier, Indiana passed away on Wednesday afternoon September 13, 2023 at Goshen Hospital. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on June 7, 1939 the daughter of Joseph and Mary Hertzig.

She is survived by five children, Beverly Snider-Haslam of California, Terry (Rose Moulton) Pilant of Ligonier, Indiana, Cheri Guilfoyle of Lake City, Florida, Dale Allan (Sherrie) Nelson of Vancouver, Washington, and Donald Bradly Pilant of Ligonier, Indiana; six grandchildren, Rochelle (Dallas) Clayton, Jason Foster, Joseph Samford, Elise Pilant, Cody Nelson, and Shea Christine Pilant, eight great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Harold Pilant and Issac Bateman; and a sister, Rosemary.

Bunny was quite the lady and lived a storied life for sure. Before retirement, Bunny owned and operated several restaurants in California, starting out as a waitress and working her way up. Prior to that she worked for Purina and the Jack in The Box restaurant chain. Bunny loved her grandchildren, her cat, and arts and crafts. She was extremely talented in various facets of crafting and made many incredible, painted ceramic dolls.

In keeping with her wishes, a cremation committal will take place at Legacy Cremation & Remembrance in Ligonier, Indiana. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.