Lura Batjer Caldwell

Apr 02, 1946 - Dec 29, 2014

Lura Batjer Caldwell passed away on December 29, 2014 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno, Nevada. She was surrounded by her family and dear friends. The cause of death is believed to have been severe sepsis.

Lura was born in East Ely, Nevada, on April 2, 1946, to Cameron McVicar Batjer and Lura Gamble Batjer. Lura was named for her maternal grandmother, Lura T. Gamble of Hazen, NV. As a youngster, she spent time in Washington, D.C. where her father served as general counsel to a U.S. Senate Committee. Lura returned to Nevada with her parents in the early 50’s and attended elementary, junior high and high school in her hometown of Carson City. While attending school in Carson City, Lura was active in the Presbyterian Church youth group, Carson City Junior Ski Program, Girl Scouts and volunteered as a “candy striper” at Carson Tahoe Hospital. Lura attended the University of Nevada from 1964 through 1968, graduating with a B.A. degree in Education. She was an active and devoted member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and lived at the sorority house throughout her years at the University. Following her graduation, Lura taught school in Douglas County before attending graduate school at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, earning a Master’s degree in Library Science. Lura returned to Reno to serve as the librarian at Reno High School and later at Hug High School, where she also taught AP Government classes. She retired from teaching in 1996 and devoted her time to her loving husband, Charles S. Caldwell, whom she married in April of 1970. A talented seamstress, Lura won the Nevada “Make It With Wool” contest while in high school. She loved all forms of the craft of sewing, including embroidery and needlepoint and often worked months to create exquisite linens for her sisters and friends. She loved to ski, spending nearly 60 years on the slopes of Slide Mountain and Mt. Rose. More recently she enjoyed winter ski trips with her sister Christina and their friends in Austria. Lura was a devoted community leader, active for 40 years in the P.E.O., chapters N and Z, volunteered with the Assistance League of Reno-Sparks, worked with Alumni of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, and oversaw the “Make It With Wool” contest. Lura loved Nevada art. She and Charlie generously supported and collected Nevada artists. She and Charlie enjoyed traveling to visit her parents, who lived in Washington, D.C. during the 80’s, and spending time with them in Hawaii, as well as visits to Germany, Italy, Scotland, Australia, and Egypt and a recent cruise through the Panama Canal. Lura had a zest and love for life with a wonderful sense of style and a very generous spirit. She cherished her friends and family. Many have said she never met a stranger and was to many “the best friend.” Lura is survived by her husband of 45 years, Charles S. Caldwell; two sisters, Christina Batjer and Marybel Batjer; sister-in-law, Patti Chick; nephews, Steven Chick (Dee), Doug Chick (Julia), nieces, Michaun Franczak (Greg), Michelle Peterson (Tim), four grandnephews, and three grandnieces. She was preceded in death by her father, Nevada Supreme Court Justice Cameron M. Batjer (2011), and mother, Lura G. Batjer (1997). A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Justice Cameron M. Batjer Scholarship Fund at the National Judicial College, University of Nevada, Reno, Judicial College Building, MS-358, Reno, NV 89557.