Sarah Ruth Bateast

Her Life’s Story

Sarah Ruth Lee Bateast, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend to many in her community, passed away leaving behind a legacy of strength, faith, and devotion to family.

Born in Pioneer, Louisiana, she was the daughter of James Lee and Henrietta Lee both who passed away while she was young. She was then adopted by Annie Mae and Mamon Savage, who also preceded her in death.

At the age of nine, she moved with her aunt to San Bernardino, California, where she continued her upbringing and later graduated from San Bernardino High School. San Bernardino became an important chapter in her life, as it was there that she raised her children and built lasting relationships.

She was a proud devoted mother to her children, Eric Sanders and Crystal Bateast, who also graduated from San Bernardino High School following in their mother’s footsteps. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she worked tirelessly to provide love, guidance, and encouragement to those she held dear. Prior to her transition, she celebrated her birthday week in Las Vegas with her grandchildren, Eric Sanders, Jr., and Taylor Sanders, and great granddaughter, Lilah, who was her heartbeat. She repeated numerous times that she had a great birthday week, and she really enjoyed the family dinners and a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Committed to helping others, she pursued a career in nursing and graduated from nursing school, becoming a licensed Vocational Nurse. She dedicated many years of compassionate care to patients at St. Bernardine’s Hospital, where she faithfully served until 1987.

In 1987, she began a new chapter of public service when she joined the California Department of Corrections. Through dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of justice, she built a respected career, retiring from the Department of Corrections as a Parole Agent in January 2004.

Before retiring, she reunited with a previous love, Wilbert Bateast. Their rekindled relationship blossomed and the two were married in 2003, forming a blended family with Wilbert bringing five children, Darnicka Bateast, Dawn Bateast, Wilbert Bateast, Jr., Jonathan Bateast, and Anthony Bateast. Sarah then relocated to Houma, Louisiana, and became a member of Beacon Light of Houma, where she has been a dedicated member for over 20 years.

Her life stands a testament to faith and dedication to both family and community. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered and cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in her journey by her father, James W. Lee; mother, Henrietta Lee; sister, Virginia Lee; brother, Lloyd Terry; sister, Joan Savage; Willie James Lee, Sr; and Joseph Earl Lee, Franklin D. Lee, and James Ray Lee. She is survived by her husband, Wilbert Sr., her children, and her two remaining sisters, Jimmie Sue Lee Gibson and Margie Lee, both of Pioneer, Louisiana.

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