Montpelier, VT Virginia Mescal Batten, 58, passed away October 25, 2013 at Central Vermont Hospital following many months of debilitating health problems. She was born October 10, 1955 at Barre City Hospital the daughter of Gardner and Margaret (Hartley) Batten. Ginny attended schools in Topsham, VT, Spaulding High School, and Upward Bound Program. She enlisted in the US Army on May 13, 1980. After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, she received training as a still photographic specialist at Loring Air Force Base in Colorado. She then served overseas being stationed near Weisbadon Airfield in Germany. She was present when the hostages landed from Iran. Ginny was issued an honorable discharge at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.; and received a Marksman Badge with M-16 rifle, Sharpshooters Badge with hand grenade, Overseas Ribbon and Army Service ribbon. After her service time she graduated from Johnson State College in 1985 with a BA in Humanities. Following graduation she taught a winter survival course at Stowe Schools and also was a teacher at Rock Point School in Burlington. Ginny also worked with the Forestry Service in Bethlehem, NH; Bradford Veneer and Panel Company, and worked with the Life Touch Photography traveling to schools in Vermont. A favorite position was at the Vermont Historical Society where she used her artistic talent to good advantage. She has a painting entitled, "Under Her Wings", at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. She also had a solo exhibit of her drawings and photos at the Firebird Gallery in Alexandria, VA. Ginny loved all things of nature, especially camping and hiking. She had a great interest in Native American Culture. Survivors include her Mother, Margaret Batten of Waits River; two brothers, Leslie Batten and his wife, Cynthia of Londonderry, NH; Randall Batten and his wife, Lori of Waits River, VT; two sisters, Linda Putney and her husband, Roland of Websterville, VT; Mary Batten and wife, Lynette of Concord, VT; and several nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. Also surviving are special friends, Amy Jones of Morrisville, VT and Jessica Soule of Grafton, NH. A Funeral service with military honors will be held at 12:30 pm, Monday, November 4th at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, Randolph Center. Memorial contributions may be sent to any veteran's organization working with PTSD. Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com