With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Clarissa Marie Neal on Thursday, June 26. At the age of 51, Clarissa returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and quiet strength. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and loyal friend.
Clarissa was born on June 23, 1974, in Evanston, to her loving parents, Stephen and
Bonnie Bateman. She was welcomed into the family by her older brother, Shad. Clarissa grew up in Evanston and graduated from Evanston High School in 1992.
After high school, she began working at Smith’s Food, where she discovered a gift for cake decorating. What began as a job soon blossomed into a talent she generously shared with those she loved. Clarissa created countless beautiful cakes for family and friends over the years.
Her creativity also extended to airbrush painting, a hobby she pursued with passion. Clarissa found great joy in planting flowers and caring for animals — she had a tender heart for all living things.
On Aug. 28, 1999, Clarissa married the love of her life, Hunter Neal. Together they built a life rooted in love and faith. Their greatest joy arrived on June 18, 2010, with the birth of their daughter, Delaney Lee Neal.
Clarissa embraced motherhood with patience, devotion, and unwavering love. She took great pride in her daughter and cherished every moment spent together.
Clarissa is survived by her husband, Hunter; and their daughter, Delaney, age 15; her parents, Stephen and Bonnie Bateman; her brother, Shad Bateman (Mindy) of Evanston; her in-laws, Wayne and Cecelia Neal of Auburn; her sister-in-law, Arieon Neal of Rock Springs; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Lila Bond; her step-grandfather, Marlin “Putt” Bond; her paternal grandparents, Franklin and Marie Bateman; and several aunts and uncles.
Clarissa will be remembered for her quiet grace, her creativity, her deep love for family, and the gentle way she moved through life. She will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
