Jacque Batt Explained

Jacque Batt
Order:First Lady of Idaho
Term Label:In role
Term Start:January 2, 1995
Term End:January 4, 1999
Predecessor:Carol May Andrus
Successor:Patricia Kempthorne
Governor:Phil Batt
Party:Republican Party
Alma Mater:University of Idaho
Birth Name:Jacque Elaine Fallis
Birth Date:31 January 1926
Birth Place:Spokane, Washington, U.S.
Death Place:Boise, Idaho, U.S.
Children:3
Residence:Boise, Idaho

Jacque Batt (née Fallis, January 31, 1926 – September 7, 2014) was an American First Lady. She was the First Lady of Idaho while her husband Phil Batt was Governor of Idaho from January 2, 1995, to January 4, 1999. She was instrumental in founding the Pink Tea in 1998, an organization that raised money for free mammograms for women in need.[1] [2]

Biography

Jacque Elaine Fallis was born to Gordon and Mary Fallis on January 31, 1926.[3] She had two brothers, Bill and Bob Fallis. She met Phil Batt at the University of Idaho, and eloped with him on January 9, 1948, in Potlatch, Idaho.[4] [5]

She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority at the University of Idaho.[6] She was active in Republican party organizations, serving as president of the Canyon County Republican Women's Club in 1971,[7] and was also active in Legisladies, an organization for the wives of Idaho legislators, serving as its president in 1977.[8] She worked with her successor Patricia Kempthorne to found the Pink Tea in 1998, an organization that raised money for free mammograms for women in need.[1] [2] She also worked as a volunteer phoning mothers to remind them about their children's immunizations.[9] She was known for her humble attitude to the role of First Lady, being reported to take the household washing to a laundromat.[10]

Batt was active in the Ninety-Nines, a women's airplane pilot organization,[11] which she joined in 1963. Batt served as the secretary of the Idaho chapter in 1966, and later as Idaho Chapter Chairman.[12] She competed in the Idaho Air Race with the Ninety-Nines, and flew into Mexico and Canada.[13] She also donated to the organization.[14]

She had three children with Phil: William, Rebecca, and Leslie Ann.[5]

Batt died September 7, 2014, and was survived by her husband, whom she had been married to for 66 years.[15] When Batt died, Idaho Governor Butch Otter released the following statement: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacque Batt. We will never forget the enduring strength of her 66-year marriage to Governor Phil Batt and her grace as Idaho's First Lady. She was a deeply caring and compassionate woman who left us all better for having known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Governor Batt, his family and all those who knew and loved Jacque."[16]

Notes and References

  1. News: Metsker . Meredith . A community in pink . 29 December 2018 . Moscow-Pullman Daily News . October 16, 2013.
  2. News: Projects of Service . 29 December 2018 . Soroptimist International of Boise, Idaho . 30–31.
  3. News: Jacque Elaine Fallis Batt, 1926 – 2014 . 24 October 2018 . Lewiston Tribune . September 10, 2014.
  4. Web site: Juniors. Gem of the Mountains, University of Idaho yearbook. 1947. 96.
  5. News: Batts celebrate silver anniversary . 29 December 2018 . Idaho Free Press . 29 January 1973 . 11.
  6. Web site: Delta Delta Delta. Gem of the Mountains, University of Idaho yearbook. 1947. 300.
  7. News: McClure Undecided About Senate Race . 29 December 2018 . Idaho Free Press . 1 October 1971 . 1.
  8. News: Unit Elects . 29 December 2018 . The Times-News . 26 January 1977 . Twin Falls, Idaho . 27.
  9. News: Septuplets to receive Idaho help . 29 December 2018 . The Times-News . 10 February 1998 . Twin Falls, Idaho . 17.
  10. News: Editorial: Governor who wields ax should share the pain . 30 December 2018 . The Times-News . 4 December 2008 . Twin Falls, Idaho . 6.
  11. News: Black . Roberta . The Ladies Air Derby From Boise To Kellogg . 29 December 2018 . Idaho Free Press Weekender Magazine . 3 July 1965 . 12–13.
  12. Batt . Jacque . Ninety-Nine News . September 1965 . 25 . 29 December 2018.
  13. Jessen . Gene Nora . Jacque Batt . 99 News . November–December 2014 . 40 . 6 . 30 . 29 December 2018.
  14. News: The International Women Pilot's Magazine . 29 December 2018 . September–October 1996 . Ninety-Nines Inc..
  15. News: Former Idaho First Lady Dies . 23 October 2018 . Magic Valley . September 8, 2014.
  16. News: GOVERNOR OTTER AND FIRST LADY MOURN PASSING OF JACQUE BATT, WIFE OF FORMER GOVERNOR PHIL BATT . 23 October 2018 . September 8, 2014 . State of Idaho.