Jill Kathleen Battell

Jill Kathleen Battell, 70, passed away Aug. 16, 2025, at her home in Portland.

Jill was born March 23, 1955, in Portland to parents Robert and Carol Battell. Following the divorce of her parents, she lived in Gresham with her mother and stepfather Marvin Johnson. After the death of her mother, Jill lived with her father and stepmother Lois Battell in Sellwood, including at Portland Rowing Club, where she resided most of her life.

Jill graduated from Portland’s Cleveland High School in 1973. After high school, she managed the local store, cafe and gas station in Fields—the only oasis for miles and miles. Jill also worked for a number of Portland area firms including Precision Castparts Corp, where she managed the mailroom and outgoing communications and handled deliveries between various plant locations. She also worked as a sales clerk at Fred Meyer in Tigard, Import Plaza in Portland’s Old Town, and The Doodle Pad at John’s Landing Watertower and the downtown Portland store.

Jill enjoyed indoor and outdoor gardening; loved animals and parented several cats over the years; took great pleasure in reading; enjoyed cooking a special dish for a gathering with family and friends and liked going out to dance and having a good margarita. The Oregon coast was her favorite vacation destination.

Jill was always generous with her time for family and friends. If there was a project that needed to be done, like painting a room or planting flowers, Jill would always volunteer her time and energy. She loved Christmas and often hosted friends and family to view the Christmas ship fleet on the Willamette River. Jill is especially remembered for always finding special ways to recognize family and friends on birthdays and other special occasions.

Jill experienced a stroke in 2020, and her family and friends were proud of her hard work rehabilitating afterward and maintaining her independence. Her family and friends are grateful they were able to share a few more years with Jill following her illness.

Jill is survived by her brothers Randy Battell and Steve Johnson, Nephew Derek Johnson, Niece Sarah Borski, two great nieces, a great nephew and many longtime friends, including those at Portland Rowing Club. Jill was loved by her family and friends and is missed greatly.