Janice (Jan) L. Batton, 76, of Bernalillo, New Mexico, formerly of Cresco, PA, passed away on April 23, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Charles T. Obrecht and Flora M. Obrecht. Jan grew up in Pen Argyl, then North Catasauqua, graduating from Catasauqua High School in 1967.

Jan worked in Allentown, PA, for 11 years at the Lehigh County Prison as an Educational Specialist, preparing inmates for life upon their release, finding jobs and arranging for educational opportunities. She then brought her expertise to the Monroe County Correctional Facility for 22 more years before retiring in 2010. In the winter months, she also worked part time at night as ticket sales manager at Camelback Ski Resort in Tannersville, PA.

In 2011 Jan and her husband moved to New Mexico to live in retirement. Jan enjoyed world travel, including exploring the desert southwest, visiting their wineries and collecting wines of the southwest. She enjoyed her Starbucks coffee just as much.

Surviving Jan are her husband of 40 years, Joel D (Joe) Batton, and twin sons, Joel Robert (Bob) Batton of Philo, Ohio, and granddaughter Ivy Rose; James Andrew (Drew) Batton and wife, Elizabeth, of Cresco, PA; brother, Ted Obrecht and wife, Marilyn, of Denver, Colorado; nephew Christian Obrecht of Denver, Colorado, and niece, Megan Bauerle, of Cape Coral, Florida; brother, John Obrecht and wife, Paulette, of Northampton, PA; nephew John Obrecht, wife Katrina and granddaughter, Cameron, of Louisville, Colorado; and nephew, Peter Obrecht, of Northampton, PA. Jan was fair minded, pleasant and of good humor. She knew how to enjoy a good laugh, and she will be profoundly missed by all of her family.

There are no funeral arrangements presently, but a memorial service in Mountainhome, PA, will be arranged for a future date.