the one with my mom’s obituary
Betty Cheryl Batcheller
September 5, 1944 to April 6, 2024
Betty Cheryl Batcheller, 79, of Downieville, California, graduated to her heavenly home on April 6th, 2024, surrounded by her family in Lubbock, Texas, held in their arms, and kissed goodbye, entering into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Cheryl was born to parents Ollie and Laverne Helton in Madera, California on September 5, 1944. In her early years, she spent her days riding horses and causing mischief with her three sisters in central California on her family’s ranch. She also loved to swim and play sports and anything to do with the outdoors. Upon high school graduation, she went to Asbury Christian College in Kentucky, earning a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education & PE. She originally had aspirations to be a teacher and coach; however, God had other plans for her and she became our beloved mother instead, devoting her life to her children as a stay at home mom in the early years. Later on, she used her administrative skills and warming personality, in banking, finance, and even dental work. Upon retirement, she worked in social services for Sierra County, helping the underserved in her community.
In between college graduation and retirement, Cheryl lived in the midwest, first Kentucky, then Missouri, and finally Oklahoma where she resided until her daughters graduated high school. She eventually found her way back to Madera, California and in March of 1986, she met her husband, Donnie Batcheller. They met after a Sunday morning church service. They were married two months later and celebrated 37 years of matrimony before Donnie passed in July 2023. Cheryl describes her meeting Donnie like a whirlwind that came into her life with the dust never settling. The lady had met her cowboy.
Some of Cheryl’s most treasured years were when she, along with Donnie, pioneered a small church in the tiny remote town of Goodyear’s Bar, California. They called it “The Lord’s Meeting House”. Their ministry together touched many lives and was one of Cheryl’s most cherished vocations.
In 2022, Cheryl and Donnie moved from their little mountain cabin in Downieville, CA to Lubbock, Texas to be closer to family. There, Cheryl lived with her daughter Kristin Bednarz who lovingly took care of her in her home. Donnie graduated to heaven in July of 2023 and Cheryl made one final trip to Downieville to bury her cowboy at Goodyear’s Bar Cemetery, near the old schoolhouse, The Lord's Meeting House, where they had ministered to so many people years before. Her heart was so full and blessed to be able to spend time with old friends and family who came to bid farewell to Donnie.
She will be missed by those she left behind. Her sister, Debra Helton Weaver Weaver of Buchanan, Michigan, her two daughters, Kim Lovold of Long Beach, California, and Kristin Bednarz, of Lubbock, Texas. Kim, married to Craig Lovold, of Long Beach, CA has three children, Noah Lovold and his wife, Amber of Washington, DC., and two daughters, Abby and Hope of Long Beach, CA. Kristin Waits Bednarz is married to Devin Bednarz of Slaton, Texas and has two children, their two daughters, Kalyn Marie Bednarz and fiancé Reilly Gwin, of Lubbock, Texas and Summer Bednarzr of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by her step-son, Jason Batcheller, his wife Chanda, and their family of California.
Through the years, all the children and grandchildren would visit and come to love the area that Cheryl & Donnie lovingly called their little piece of Sierra County in Indian Valley, God’s piece of heaven on earth.
For his anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
-Psalm 30:5
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It would be impossible for us to describe mom’s generosity and unwavering optimism and faith in Gods goodness. And she never stopped sharing His goodness with those around her, always lending a helping hand or listening ear to those in need. She was a JOY to be around and we will miss her dearly.
See you in the “morning”, Mom.
Happy Mother’s Day. We love you so much!
the one with Gehrig, TT GRAD 2024
One of the perks of being a photographer is meeting new people and spending time with them. I met Gehrig tonight for his GRAD session and we spent a good amount of time waiting in line at the TT Seal for our turn to make some photographs and discussed everything from movies, to food in Lubbock and fun things about his family. Great guy who patiently waited and then killed it when it was our turn.
Thank you, Gehrig for trusting me with your photographs and best of luck this weekend at your “olympic competition”.
Love does,
Kristin
The one with old photos
This picture was made when I was maybe 2? Not sure. You can see my sister, Kim and we must be with Granny and Papaw taking photos in a Photo Booth. Now I’m 50 something and this print is perfect. It hasn’t faded. It’s just here sitting on my table. This is why we should print out photos. Not ALL our photos but something. Right?
All sessions, weddings as well, include a gallery with access to download your digital files and keep them forever. This is great! But it should also include you PRINTING some of those kick ass photos out and tucking them somewhere future generations can find.
I smiled BIG when I found this little gem. It was the best feeling.
love does,
Kristin
the one with a GRAD session on campus
It’s not everyday you get to graduate with your BIG sister. Yep. Brynn and Ashlyn are walking the stage and collecting diplomas this spring! We had to document the occasion with photos of course! I’ve been photographing these girls FOR YEARS! They are some of my Favorite Bednarz Girls!
Love does,
Kristin
the one with Kade, TT GRAD 2024
2020
2024
What a difference a degree makes, right?
Kade is a Cooper boy and I photographed him and his basketball time at LCHS. I watched him grow up and was so happy when his mom called and asked me to photograph his portrait to celebrate his college graduation. Gosh! Such a great kid/adult!
CLICK HERE FOR HIS 2020 GRAD PICS
The line at the Texas Tech seal (very popular) was long and the hemlines were incredibly short, 😲 but Kade’s mom held our space in line as we hit a few key places on campus and knocked his grad session out of the park!
Super proud of you, Kade, for finishing with a degree (18 hours this semester folks!) and adopoting a puppy to boot! Keep scrolling to see his sweet baby puppy Lucy. And shout out to his girlfriend Catherine and his family, Leslie and Brit. It was so lovely spending some time with you all! I so enjoyed today.
Love does,
Kristin
The one with Watson, a Sundown 2024 GRAD
When you are the baby of the family, everyone loves you. Right? Well, Watson’s sisters and sister-in-law helped with the outfits for this graduate and I was definitely impressed with how they dressed this fella. PLUS, HE BROUGHT HIS GUITAR and played on Broadway. Who does that? Only the cool kids, I’ve been told. And those that are good.
Thank you, Watson! I had such a good time tonight photographing you! Oh, and FYI, the chin is all-natural, no mewing involved.
the one with Vincent, GRAD 2024
I’ve watched this one grow up folks! From the time he was born, we’ve attended mass together. Up until recently that is and now his Daddy Deacon is at Wilson and I’m still at St. Joseph. But regardless, it’s been so much fun watching his personality emerge and his character develop. Such a great kid! And I hesitate to call any senior graduate a KID because they grow up so fast these days. Don’t they?
He rolled up to his Grad Session in chill clothes with his girlfriend in tow, not even worried about his appearance or the clothing, really. He was simply there to exist and have a good time. All the while, politeness and manners were present to me of course. He did manage to complete dress, curbside in front of the FUMC Activity Center. Not modest one bit, I guess? Totally cracked me up!
It was such a pleasure spending some time with him and even better time getting to see his momma, April.
BEST WISHES VINCENT! And if mom ever checks her email, I sent you a Q+A that I could post here on my blog. Tell her to check her email, OK?
Love does,
Kristin
the one with Kalyn and Reilly, ENGAGED!
For years I’ve complained to my friends, my family, a stranger on the street…anyone who would listen really, that I would never be a grandma. I mean, my girls weren’t even dating. Like REALLY dating one guy seriously. And all my closest girlfriends, they were grandmas! So, when Kalyn moved to Texas and started working for Texas Tech, and then introduced us to Reilly, well, I dreamed, but I didn’t want to jinx anything.
One year from the date they met, he put a ring on it!
And a little over 5 months from today, THEY ARE GETTING MARRIED! Hello! I’m going crazy over here! I’m praying for a wedding night baby for sure on this one!!!
Go Grandma!
We will put all the details up on a wedding website very soon. In the mean time? Enjoy this sweet sneak peek!
Love does,
Kristin
the one with the Slaton Tiger BB Teams
How much fun are these?!? I LOVE them!
I spent a good hot minute with the Slaton Tiger BB Teams a few weeks ago and just released their gallery. You can click the link below to see more.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL GALLERY
The gallery will be live for 14 days. After 14 days all orders will be processed so I can ship them out ASAP. Digital files purchased are available immediately for download. Fire away, Tiger Fans. Go grab your FAVS!!!
Keep scrolling to enjoy a few of my favs!
Love does,
Kristin
the one where Morgan gets her GRAD ON!
I think I’ve said this before, but FALL is the BEST time to take photographs. There’s something about the light that is crisp and sharp and different. It dwells a bit in the evening and is simply gorgeous.
Meet, Morgan.
She’s a senior this year and absolutely STUNNING. I couldn’t get enough of photographing her and she renewed my spirit in what I do and LOVE to do. She truly did!
Many of you know, I’m sharing my home with my Mom. There’s been so many changes in the last year in my life. SO much procsessing I need to do and share, but I also feel trapped in between things. I’m not young anymore. In my head I am, but not really. So, here I am, on my blog for the first time in weeks sharing gorgeous images of a girl that’s staring her life really, as an adult anyway.
I think about all he “young and dumb” stuff I pulled straight out of high school. I mean, our 20’s, 18 and ups, are supposed to be the time of our life where we learn things. We are young and dumb and eventually, with enough time passing, we “know better do better”. Right?
She doesn’t get that luxury, Morgan doesn’t. Or really anyone that is graduating doesn’t. It’s sucks really. She has the entire world of social media checking every move out and judging everything from pictures. From images and vides without knowing her true heart or the true HER, the “she” that she is becoming. The screw ups? That is how you learn. That is how you grow and learn and shape your identity into what you want, what you love and who you want to be.
I wish that for Morgan. And for all the 2024 GRADS. No judgement from me, seriously. So many screw ups that I’m surprised I’m still alive! Really…
And soon, very soon. I’ll pour out more here on my blog. And maybe even share a few of those fun stories. LOL
Love does,
Kristin
Oh, and if you would like to GET YOUR GRAD ON! Message me. I’d love to photograph you!
name: Morgan Griffith
where do you go to school?: Sundown High School
what is your idea of perfect happiness?: Living inside of a book world
greatest fear?: Things with tentacles
what is the trait you most deplore in yourself?: I have terrible time management
what is the trait you most deplore in others?: Chewing loudly
what do you consider the most overrated virtue?: Patience—I have none
which words or phrases do you most overuse?: Probably “like”
which living person do you most despise?: Parker McCollum
what or who is the greatest love of your life?: Reading
what is your current state of mind?: I want to take a nap.
which talent would you most like to have?: I wish I could sing
if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: I wish I was one year older and/or wanted to go to Texas A&M so I could go to college with my best friend.
if you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?: Honduran white bat. They’re my favorite animal
where would you like to live?: Europe somewhere—Scotland maybe?
what do you most value in friends?: Someone who has a similar sense of humor
what is it that you most dislike?: The fact that squids have beaks
which living person do you most admire?: Ruby Stokes
greatest regret?: Cutting my hair to my chin in middle school
how would you like to die?: Probably in my sleep
what is your motto?: Let’s draw our swords and kick in the doors. Like we’re cool and really know what we’re doing
are you single? It never hurts to ask. Someone may read this blog post and HELLO! True love. : Yes
the one with Libby in her bridal gown
Libby + Hunter were married on Friday, the 30th and I finally get to share her gorgeous gown! I’ve watched this sweet girl grow up into a lovely young lady and we made some of the most beautiful photographs together! Soon, I’ll post her wedding photos. As soon as I recover from my crazy SAUSAGEFEST weekend! Right now? Where’s the coffee?
Love does,
Kristin
the one with 10 images from Kyle + Laura Rose's wedding!
Can’t help myself! I wanted to share a few from my most recent wedding. I’m deep in “editing mode” and LOVING all these weddings I have yet to share here. Let me start with a quick 10 from Laura Rose + Kyle’s wedding. It was simply GORGEOUS! Congratulations, you two!
Love does,
Kristin
the one with Kathleen's bridal session at the Creative Chateau
This is Kathleen and she’s marrying Dalton this summer. I met her in Houston to photograph her bridal session! If you know me, you know I LOVE bridal sessions! It’s like the human barbie that can bend and I get to play with her!!! Takes me back to my childhood yet I get to use my adult camera knowledge, with at this point is 25+ years. #olderwiser I pulled out all the stops to get creative with the time we had at the Chateau. It was GORGEOUS! But busy! It’s a space you can rent for photography, events, etc. in Houston. Very pretty and in a neighborhood that is quite lovely as well. We went on a short drive around the block to get a few more locations with her gorgeous gown!
LOCATION: The Spaces of the Creative Chateau
DRESS: Martina Liana, Patsy’s Bridal Boutique
If you are getting married, I highly recommend having a BRIDAL SESSION before your big day. It’s a great way to do a “rehearsal” of what works and all. You know, how long does it take to get in my gown? It’s also the most time you will spend in your wedding dress before the wedding. You find out if you can bend, raise your arms to dance, if you can breathe. You know, the important things in life. LOL
Kathleen, you are a gorgeous bride! You’ve done so well at putting everything together while graduating college, moving to a new city, planning a wedding almost a state away! Let’s face it, West Texas is practically New Mexico. PLUS, trips galore! You’ve been so busy and you’ve handled this all like a CHAMP! Major LOVE for you girl!!!!
Love does,
Kristin
the one with sweet Hallie Lou
That sweet little newborn is Miss Hallie Lou. She belongs to Sydney + Beau Howard of Idalou, Texas and I got to spend some time adoring her yesterday! Gosh, I think Sydney was almost this little when I first met her and now she’s a momma!
If you are intetested in having your Baby’s First Year Documented, CLICK HERE.
Love does,
Kristin
the one with Taryn in her bridal gown
You gotta share the gown! By the time this posts, this girl will have said “I do!” to the love of her life! From flowers, to veil to earrings, to trust…this bride is GORGEOUS! LOVED the gloves and most of all, the fact that she let me take down her hair and finish the session with some gorgeous locks!
Thank you, Taryn!
Love does,
Kristin
the one where Taryn + Brandon rehearse
I tend to find myself in situations where laughter is inappropriate. In this case, rehearsal in a church. And by inappropriate, I mean the kind of laughter that is LOUD + PROUD. If you know what I mean. Last night I think I found my laughter soul mate. The one that creates the situation, I feed off of it and then we simply keep on rolling with it 1/2 the night.
Yep. That’s the one.
Brandon and Taryn are getting married today! We rehearsed last night and I’m super excited. I’m working with some of my favorite people. Valerie is coordinating the day and my BFF, Toni will be there as well . Watch out world!
the one where my nephew gets married!
So, it happened! My nephew is married! Holy Smokes! And I got to photograph the affair. How crazy is that?!?! It all started when he met Amber at his high school graduation. (see photo below)
Noah’s grandma Tina and Amber’s grandma, Margie were long-time friends. They brought the two together and 6 years later, we celebrated the sacrament of their marriage with a mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ojai, California. Amber grew up in Ojai.
It was like a family reunion for all of us. HELLO!
My family on the left (along with my turkey neck that is making me think I need to start dressing like Diane Keaton) and my fabulous sister’s family on the right. How pretty everyone looks!
This is my family above with my sister, Kim’s family. ALL TOGETHER! This rarely happens, so by gosh, thank you, Anthony (best man) for making this possible. (he took the photo)
We all stayed at the same hotel and even though it flew by so quickly, we had such a great time! We even squeezed in a movie night, the classic The Goonies, at the pool on the projector I brought from Texas for the rehearsal slideshow. Yes. I wore many hats this weekend!
CLICK HERE FOR CHEESY REHEARSAL SLIDESHOW
You know how I love a good slideshow! LOL
Something to keep in mind as I share this blog post. I dropped my phone in the pool on the first day we were there. Yep. IN THE POOL. I dove in for it, but it wasn’t salvageable. Sad but true and therefore, nothing behind the scenes from the iPhone. No stories, reels, or selfies. I had to rely on family + friends. It’s very sad, really. AND if you tried to get ahold of me during this time, my phone could not ring, so I’m sure I missed calls and possibly even someone inquiring about a wedding. Who knows?
I did work with some pretty fabulous people. Here’s their info…
Planner
www.hosteevents.com
@hoste_events
Beauty
Hair: @hairbycorinnev Corinne phone: 540-226-4030 email - hairbycorinnev@gmail.com
Makeup: @laurazavalamakeup Laura Zavala email: laurazavs@gmail.com
Florals | High Heron Farms
@nightheronfarm
Alena Steen + Danny Shimoda 919.593.6943 nightheronfarms@gmail.com www.nightheronfarm.org
Venue/Caterer | Boccalis
Marde reservations@boccalis.com
Officiant/Church St Thomas Aquinas
Typewrite Postcards | Richard Barnitz
@FarmToType
505.515.1675 richardbarnitz@gmail.com
Music | Hai
phone: (951) 204-1582 email: hairabed@msn.com
Of course, the weekend flew by and now I’m home sad because I miss my family. So much has happened in the last few weeks. Someday, maybe? I can catch up here on this little blog I started so very long ago. I sure would like that. In the meantime, simply enjoy the photos.
Love does,
Kristin
PLANNER:
Claudia Hoste 323.691.5494 claudiahoste@gmail.com www.hosteevents.com @hoste_events
Photography
Kristin Bednarz
Phone: (806)789-2673 kristinbednarz@me.com www.kristinbednarz.com @kbedz
Beauty
Hair: Corinne phone: 540-226-4030 email - hairbycorinnev@gmail.com
Makeup: Laura Zavala email: laurazavs@gmail.com
Florals
HIgh Heron Farms
Alena Steen + Danny Shimoda 919.593.6943 nightheronfarms@gmail.com www.nightheronfarm.org @nightheronfarm
Venue/Caterer
Boccalis
Marde reservations@boccalis.com
Officiant/Church
St Thomas Aquinas
Typewrite Postcards
Richard Barnitz 505.515.1675 richardbarnitz@gmail.com @FarmToType
Music
Hai
phone: (951) 204-1582 email: hairabed@msn.com
the one with Sarah + Lucas together
Guess who is getting married soon? Well, next year to be exact but I had the chance to shoot their engagement session in hopes (crossing my fingers) that I get to photograph their wedding! Kind of an interview, perhaps? A try-out? I’m sure hoping I got the job! Because these two are so much dang fun!
Love does,
Kristin
the one with the Cepica Family
Meet the Cepica Family!
I first met them 23 years ago when Graham + Grant were babies! And recently, the boys contacted me about a gift certificate for their mom for a special occasion. Might have been Christmas, I can’t remember. I met them for family photographs and had the BEST time! Graham is moving to Ft. Worth for a new job and we wanted to document their backyard and this time together.
GREAT JOB, Cepica Family!
Love does,
Kristin
the one with Lubbock Cooper Prom, 2023
OH, what a night!
April Fool’s Day was PROM DAY! I was so excited to be a part of this night for the Lubbock Cooper Pirates! Of course there’s a full gallery to be seen, viewed, shared and loved on, but in the mean time, why not enjoy this slideshow I put together? It has a few of my favorite moments.
Love does,
Kristin