Louise Irene (Stadler) Batman, 101, of Bridgeport, passed through the Gates of Heaven to the “Place That’s The Best” on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, after a brief illness. She was born on March 10, 1925, in Charleston, a daughter of the late Nile George and Hazel Maude (Wright) Stadler.
After graduating from Stonewall Jackson High School, she married her high school sweetheart, “Jim Boy”, upon his return from serving in the US Navy at the end of World War II. Then ensued a short move to Nitro, WV, to work side by side with her mother Hazel to develop Stadler Greenhouses into a flourishing business born out of tireless hard work and customer care.
Another move to Bridgeport in 1966, Louise followed her mother’s example of being a successful entrepreneur by developing three thriving Bridgeport Main Street businesses – Batman’s Mudhouse, Batman’s Trophies and Awards, and her pride and joy, The Country Peddler.
Family, friends and her quiet benevolence were the hallmark of her loving life. But her adventurous side truly set her apart. She began skydiving at the age of 80 with multiple jumps into her early 90’s.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, James Franklyn Batman; brothers Richard and William Stadler; son Richard Nile Batman; daughter-in-law Karen Batman (Yamagata); and husband Frank Milam.
Louise is survived by her daughters, Sarah Louise (Dennis) Burton of Dunkirk, MD; Jessie Ann (James) Jones of Bridgeport; and son James Robert Batman of Bridgeport; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; as well as the Stadler nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Louise’s charities included Tunnel to Towers, Samaritan’s Purse, and St. Judes Hospital.
A Service of Committal will be held at Bridgeport Cemetery and will be announced.
Burnside Funeral Home, Bridgeport