Melva L. Batz, 85, of Pittsfield, IL passed away, Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at her residence.  Melva was born on April 15, 1924 in Middletown, Mo, a daughter to Elbert C. and Florence A. Fitzgerald LeMasters.  Her first marriage was to James Calvin Christian in November of 1940 and he preceded her in death in November of 1947.  She then married John Batz on January 2, 1955 in the Whiteside Baptist Church in Whiteside, Mo.  John preceded Melva in death on December 8, 2007.

In Melva’s earlier years she worked in garment factories, was a homemaker and bookkeeper for husband John and their ginseng business. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Pittsfield, Golden Circle Sunday School Class, and a Prayer Warrior and was active with Bible School.  She was also a member of the Illinois Ginseng Growers Association and a volunteer for Meals On Wheels, Community Club, and Golden Aires Coffee Club.

Melva is survived by daughters, June (Clifford) Hobbs of Middletown, Mo and Joyce Presley of Jonesboro, Arkansas and five grandchildren, James Presley of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Keith Hobbs of Silex, Mo, Kirby Hobbs of Pittsfield, Joel Presley of Groves, TX and Leslie Ann Boles of Holton, IN.  Thirteen great grandchildren, one great great grandson and brother,  Carroll LeMasters of Middletown, Mo also survive.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Myrtle Chandler and great granddaughter, Sarah Faith Hobbs.

Services will be held on Friday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield with Rev. Bill Herald officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12 noon on Friday until the time of service at the church.  Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery.  A lunch will be served for family and friends at the Calvary Baptist Church after the services.

Memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church or the Oakwood Cemetery. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.