SPRUCE HEAD — Margaret M. “Ma” Batty, 89, died Sept. 20, 2015, at the Sussman House in Rockport after an extended period of declining health. Although her health had been failing, Ma was in attendance at her church one week ago and continued to be actively involved with her family.

Born in Spruce Head on Sept. 2, 1926, the eighth of 10 children of Llewellyn C. and Maggie M. Maker Elwell, she was very proud to have been born and raised in Spruce Head where she attended school, married and lived in the same home more than 70 years.

She married Thornton E. Batty in Spruce Head on Oct. 12, 1943.

Ma considered her vocation to be that of wife, homemaker, mother and grandmother. She devoted herself to that calling. Her family said, were there a world record for attendance at school plays, ball games, or functions involving her children, grandchildren or even the neighborhood kids, she would have won that award. Her home was always open, providing a warm and caring place for anyone, which usually included her home-made doughnuts and doughnut men. In addition to her dedication to her family, she was passionate about her home and was known as someone who could make something out of nothing.

In earlier years she enjoyed hosting Record Hops at the Spruce Head Community Center with her friend, Edie Drinkwater, which always were popular with the local children under the age of 12.

She was an avid reader, and for many years she also belonged to a knitting club.

With her husband, she enjoyed regular visits to the former Dave's Restaurant and the Sea Store in Spruce Head; not only for coffee and meals, but mainly for socializing and the opportunity to chat with the regulars.

She was a charter member of the Harmony Bible Church in South Thomaston. Whenever the church doors were open, she could be counted on to be there, serving in any capacity needed. She always enjoyed retelling the story of when the property was being cleared for the new church building, with her son Bill she felled the first tree, landing it across and blocking Route 73. She played left field on the church softball team until the age of 65. She never was much of a hitter but was great at cheering on others who could do better.

In addition to her parents, Ma was predeceased her by eight siblings; her beloved husband, Thornton E. Batty Sr. in 1998; and her son, William R. Batty Sr. in 2005. She is survived by one son, Thornton E. Batty Jr. and his wife, Karen-Sue “Susie,” of South Thomaston; her daughter, Virginia L. Reed of Spruce Head; two daughters-in-law, Marylou Yattaw Batty of Spruce Head and Joann Mulé Batty of Concord, N.H.; her sister, Ruth Batty of Rockland; her sister-in-law, Corine Elwell: eight grandchildren and their spouses, William R. Jr. and Sue Batty, Lisa and Dwane Wight, Michael and Jessica Batty, Jennifer and Joseph Demore, Mindy and Greg Davis, Stacy and Matthew Densmore, David Reed, and Sarah and Brian Kenny; 12 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews; plus her best friend, Sophie, who she lovingly called “my d—n dog.”

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Friday, Sept. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A graveside service will be held Sunday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. at Ocean View Cemetery in South Thomaston. The Rev. Jason Pauley will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Harmony Bible Church Memorial Fund, 337 Spruce Head Road, South Thomaston, ME 04858 or Kno-Wal-Lin Homecare and Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.