Washington - Carol Ann Risch (Bateman), 95, of Washington, Indiana, passed away Saturday, July 12. She was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

She was born November 24, 1929, to James and Fern Bateman, the first of their three daughters. She graduated first in her class from Washington High School in 1947 and met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Risch, on a blind date. They married June 19, 1949 and were married 62 years, until his death in 2011.

Carol was a homemaker until her children were in school, then worked for the Welfare Department until her retirement. She and Dick loved camping at Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area in Montgomery, often joined by their children and grandchildren for cookouts, card games, and a lot of laughter. Carol enjoyed sewing, was an avid reader, and an excellent cook. She was a wonderfully warm person who both laughed and cried easily. Her family and friends will miss her deeply.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, James I. Bateman and Fern McCord Bateman; husband, Dick; sister, Janice Honaker; son, Mark; daughter-in-law, Jackie Risch; and grandchildren, Richie Gaither, Brian Potts, and Whitney Risch.

She is survived by her children Susan Petty (Mack) of Dunedin, Florida; James Risch (Dianna) of Pendleton,Indiana; Christopher Risch (Barbara) of Washington; Kathryn Potts (Gary) of Washington; David Risch (Sharon) of Washington and John Risch (Elaine) of Washington and her sister, Linda Gould of Noblesville, Indiana. She had 21 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

Carol's life will be celebrated at Ed Lee Mortuary North Chapel on Wednesday, July 16 during a visitation from 10 a.m. until noon, followed by a memorial service with Yvonne Evans officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Washington St. Vincent dePaul Thrift Store 815 Main Street Washington, Indiana or the Alzheimer's Association.