Candace Michelle Batts (1979-2008)

BATTS

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 12/6/2008 at 08:17:06

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Saturday, December 6, 2008.

Dec. 8, 1979-Nov. 26, 2008

Candace Michelle Batts, born Dec. 8, 1979, died suddenly in an automobile accident Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, at the age of 28. Candace made up for the brevity of her life by the intensity with which she lived it.

A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1403 24th St., in Ames.

Candace was born at Fort Campbell, Ky., and raised in Yonkers, N.Y. Candace was driven by her love of learning. She graduated from the Ursuline School in 1997. She received her bachelor's degree in computer science from Brown University in 2001. In 2005, she received her master's degree in hydrology at the University of Nevada, Reno. She was working toward obtaining her doctorate in environmental science at Iowa State University at the time of her death.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Candace was involved in a wide range of religious, volunteer, cultural and athletic endeavors. Though it would take a book to list all the activities she engaged in over the years, Candace was a trumpet player, dancer, crew coxen, member of the Sierra Nevada Master Chorale, Special Olympics volunteer and triathlete, among other things.

Over and above her many achievements, Candace will be remembered for her vibrant personality, and the many lives she touched in her short years. She will be sorely missed by her parents, Ava and Carl; her sister, Carisha; her niece, Eden, and nephew, Darin; and her grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless extended family members and friends.

Donations may be made in Candace's memory to Wheels for the World (www.joniandfriends.org).