Barbara "Punk" Lee Bateson

Barbara L. “Punk” Bateson

     KEYSER, WV – Barbara “Punk” Bateson, 82, of Keyser, WV passed away on February 27, 2021 in Virginia Beach, VA surrounded by family.

    Born on September 24, 1938 in Piedmont, WV, she was the daughter of the late George I. Harr and Lillian (Parker) Harr. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Robert “Buckwheat” Bateson. She also was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Lou Treadaway.

    Not many folks, even in the Tri-Towns, knew her by her first name, but if you mentioned “Punk” or “Punky”, EVERYONE knew the special woman you were talking about. With her infectious smile, contagious and highly, recognizable laugh, she brightened the day of everyone she met.

    Punk loved growing up in the Tri-Towns so much that she hoped heaven is as much fun as she had with her friends at Piedmont’s Rendezvous. She graduated from Piedmont High School in 1956 and thoroughly enjoyed attending alumni reunions where she would reminisce about the good ole days. After high school, she started nurse’s training at Memorial Hospital in Cumberland and completed her nursing diploma in 1959. While in nurse’s training, she developed a special bond with her fellow nursing students that turned into cherished friendships that spanned over 60 years, and as she would proudly say, “we never had an argument… how special is that”.

    She went on to work as a registered nurse for 30 years at Potomac Valley Hospital and the Mineral County Health Dept. She was well-known for her genuine concern and the tender care she provided to her patients.

    She loved spending time on her front porch telling stories and offering great advice. Friends and neighbors would spend countless hours on the porch sharing a laugh and updating family news as Punk would continue the conversations with her notable line, “one more thing and I will let you go”.

    Punk was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was adored by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (Nannie was one of kind!). To her, family was everything! She would never miss a family gathering and would spend countless hours on the road to attend every special event in our lives.

    Punk was the biggest fan of her surviving children, a son, Damon Bateson (Joy) of Virginia Beach, VA and daughter, Barbara Bellido (Angel), of Virginia Beach, VA. Five grandchildren, Damon Bateson II (Amanda) of Fairhope, AL; Parker Bateson (Jeanna) of Durham, NC; Roman Asaro (Ciara) of Lincoln, NE; Sophie Bateson of Virginia Beach, VA; and Adrienne Asaro of Morgantown, WV; and 5 great- grandchildren.

    You may have passed on… but the memories will continue to live on with us.

    Friends may call at Markwood Funeral Home on Friday, March 5, 2021 from 1-4 & 6-9pm. Funeral services are scheduled for 11am on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the funeral home with Reverend Roland E. Nairn, III officiating.  Interment will follow at Potomac Memorial Gardens.

     Due to the current health concerns, all guests are required to wear face masks and exercise social distancing at all time.

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