Dolores Batson, 73, dies
September 28, 2011,from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Dolores Lyons Batson, 73, of Greenwood, Del., died Sept. 24, 2011, with her family by her side.
Mrs. Batson graduated from Greenwood High School and attended the University of Delaware. She was an avid horse enthusiast and at every point in her life owned them.
She grew up in a harness racing family, with her father having owned and driven the legendary pacer, Adios Harry, to world records. She herself drove in matinee races, successfully competing against adults in a male dominated sport when she was just a teen. She pursued a career in training and racing horses and running a retail saddle and harness shop with her husband.
Mrs. Batson was particularly talented in training young horses and getting remarkable results with the use of a consistent kind and gentle touch — a horse whisperer of sorts.
She was an active member of Independent Bible Fellowship Church in Harrington and the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association prior to her illness.
Mrs. Batson is survived by her husband of 53 years, Pleasant; daughter, Rebecca (C. Scott) Kidner; grandchildren, Jack, Jeffrey and Grant Kidner; brother, Monty (Elizabeth) Lyons; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Marilyn Lyons.
A viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. at Valley Chapel–Andrews Mortuary, 4108 S. College Rd., Wilmington, N.C., on Friday (September 30), with a graveside service immediately following at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington, N.C.
Memorial contributions may be made to Horse Lovers United, Inc., P.O. Box 2744, Salisbury, MD 21802.