Janice Batley

Janice “Mitzi” (Vanasten) Batley passed away peacefully on October 27th at Eagle Court Memory Care surrounded by her family. Born January 12, 1937, in Little Chute, WI, she was one of 5 daughters raised by Rosella and Martin Vanasten. Mitzi often reminisced about her wonderful childhood on Depot St., her Dutch heritage, and her Catholic upbringing. Music was a big part of the Vanasten family life. In high school Mitzi proudly played the snare drum in the Drum and Bugle Corps.

In 1961 she married Herbert Batley and together they raised 5 children in Menasha. Mitzi’s greatest joy was being a mother and later a grandmother. She was endlessly loving, patient, generous, selfless and humorous to all of them. With her grandchildren she loved playing cards, watching their sports, making crafts/costumes and more. We firmly believe our mom was the inspiration for the “Best Grandma Ever” saying, for she truly was.

A graduate of the Green Bay School of Cosmetology, Mitzi enjoyed a long and fulfilling career that led to many cherished friendships. She also had many talents and interests, living a life with creativity and joy. She loved sewing for others, gardening, and occasional traveling, especially to Canada and Alaska, which were her favorites. She was also known for her sense of humor and young spirit and also had a special bond with her sisters and lifelong card club friends. Deeply fond of St. Mary’s church, she found much solace attending mass every Sunday throughout most of her life.

She is survived by her children: Pam (Dave) Vander Zanden, Diane (Joe) DeCoursin, Jim Batley, Barbara (Charlie) Price, Ellen (Ralf) Kaller; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is further survived by sisters: Diane (Jim) Hoppe and Dottie Hill. Mitzi will be missed dearly but we are grateful for her 88 years and the wonderful care she received the last 2 years from Eagle Court. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Batley; her parents; sisters: Shirley (Doug) Beyer, and Audrey (Robert) Byrne; brother-in-law Jim Hill; as well as other relatives and friends.

A funeral liturgy to celebrate of her life will take place on Friday November 14, 2025, at 11:00am, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 528 2nd Street, Menasha. Friends and family may gather for a visitation at the church from 9:00am until mass begins. Mitzi will be laid to rest next to her husband Herb at St Mary’s Cemetery, Menasha.

In lieu of flowers kindly donate to your local animal shelter or the Fox Valley Memory Project.