Zetha Nunn Battise was born February 8, 1937, on the Alabama Coushatta Indian reservation, to Robert Fulton Battise and Eva (Bullock) Battise. She passed from this life on September 20, 2022, in Livingston, Texas at the age of 85.
Miss Zetha was a graduate of Big Sandy High School and attended Southeastern State Teachers College in Durant, Oklahoma. After graduation, she taught music for 25 years in the Tucumcari and Farmington, New Mexico public school systems and retired in 1980.
She was the daughter of Mikko Kina Robert Fulton Battise who served his people, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, as Chief for fifty-eight years until his death in 1994. She was the Director for the Chief Kina Committee for Cultural Scholarships, Inc. As a fluent speaker, she was committed to the revitalization of the Alibamu language.
Always a leader for her people, Miss Battise was elected to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Council and served as Secretary for one term (1989-1992).
She was a premier pitcher on the Ala-Cous Women’s fast pitch softball team and left a legacy of driving hard hit line drives to left field at the reservation ball park. She competed in fast pitch tournaments throughout the area and Oklahoma. Her fierce pitching skills are still discussed (and feared) to this day.
She was a devoted pianist at the Indian Presbyterian Church for several years. She belonged to the Wind Clan of the Tribe.
She is survived by her adopted brother, Marcus Briggs-Cloud & wife Tawna, first cousins, Lawrine Battise, Ethelyn Sylestine, Naomi Battise, Mavis Marroquin & husband Joe, Chief Kanicu Donnis Battise, Glendon Wayne Bullock & wife Genny, Maxine Silva & husband Rafael, Foster Bullock, Jr., Margaret Celestine, Gary Bullock & wife Anite, Burton Bullock & wife Tanya, Othelda Jean Williams, and numerous other dearly loved relatives.
She is preceded in death by her Parents and brother Claude Teer Battise.
Pallbearers will be, Garrett Battise, Keifer Williams, Ricky Sylestine, Derek Battise, Kirk Battise, Joey Silva, Jeremiah Waggoner and Mikko Harvel.
Honorary Pallbearers will be, Elizabeth Price, Regina Thompson, Michelle Polite and Jan Maire.
The family would like to extend a sincere appreciation to Dr. Jeffrey Luna, Chief Kina Health Clinic, Pine Ridge Heath Care and Harbor Hospice that cared for Miss Zetha.
Heartfelt gratitude to Nita Battise and Katie Daniel.
A visitation for Zetha will be held Friday, September 23, 2022, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Pace Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.
A Celebration of Zetha’s Life will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 10:00 am, at the Indian Presbyterian Church in Livingston, Texas, with Debbie Battise-Kleinman, CRE officiating.
Interment will follow at the Indian Village Cemetery.
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