St. George, Utah - Dorothy Jane (Janie) Bateman Blair was born December 17, 1916 in Decatur, Illinois to Bertha Beatrice (Betsy) Bateman Coombes and Lester Bateman. Janie, her sister Mimi, and brother Billy moved to Los Angeles, CA with their mother in the early 1920's. She graduated from LA High School in 1935 and immediately went to work at the Hal Roach Movie Studios in LA. Jane's span of over 65 years in the entertainment industry started with Columbia Pictures in 1938 as an accountant, then continuing on at the Burbank Studios, and Warner Brothers Studios. She retired from Warner Brothers Studios as the senior production auditor at 86 years young. Her vast knowledge of all the union labor contracts made her a true icon and a valuable asset in union negotiations, and arbitrations. She was named the longest living contributor to the Motion Picture Television Fund, in the early 90's, for which she was presented by Warner Brothers and the Television Fund with a plaque and her name on the marquee at the studio's own theater on the lot in Burbank.
Dorothy Jane Bateman Blair
She was "Aunt Janie" to everyone - she gave of herself constantly, helping in anyway she could, which was considerable. She was extremely generous, patient, understanding, and full of wisdom and grace.
Jane is preceded in death by her brother, William Bateman and sister, Nell Marie (Mimi) Bishop. She is survived by Patricia G. Hatch Walter, niece & William Radburn (Rad) Hatch, nephew and many loving friends and family members in both Burbank, CA and St. George, UT. She died peacefully in her sleep on June 2, 2011.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Monday, prior to services, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Mortuary. Interment will follow at the Veyo City Cemetery in Veyo, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.
