Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend Debra “Debbie” Jo Hatch passed away April 20th, 2023 at her home in Gilbert, Arizona. Debbie was born on December 29th 1952 to Lillian Sams Earl and William Thayne Earl.
Debbie attended Hawthorne Elementary, OE Bell Junior High School, and Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, ID. She graduated in 1970. She loved her many friends who touched her life for good during these years.
She married Barlow Nelson Hatch on August 8th 1974 in the Idaho Falls Temple and were blessed with 4 beautiful children. They later divorced.
She attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho for a short time before training as a Dental Assistant which she did for several years. She held several jobs over her life including working in the emergency room, medical offices, and travel agent. Her favorite job of all was that of mother and grandmother. She lived for the lives of her children and grandchildren and loved being involved in and supporting all their activities and pursuits. She said many times, “All I ever wanted to be was a mother and grandmother.”
Her hobbies included water & snow skiing, camping with family, cooking, decorating, traveling, doting on her grandkids, shopping, returning to Idaho Falls for the 4th of July Parade, and vacationing at Island Park.
Debbie was a loving and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with a testimony of the restored gospel. She loved her many callings of which her favorite was working in the Mesa & Gilbert AZ temples. She was a gifted decorator and homemaker, known widely for her cooking and yummy cinnamon rolls. She loved any reason to get family and loved ones together to throw a party complete with an abundance of homemade food and fun. She was a people person and loved to hear the stories of her friends while sharing in their joys, struggles and successes.
Debbie is survived by her children Joshua (Angie) Hatch of Franklin, TN, Sean (Kursty) Hatch of Queen Creek, AZ, Elisha (Brett) Romney of Gilbert, AZ and Derek (Colette) Hatch of Colorado Springs, CO, brother Dennis (Susan) Earl of Mesa, AZ, sister Susan (Brent) Williams of Gilbert, AZ, brother-in-law Dale Jensen of Idaho Falls, ID and 19 grandchildren Cody, Gavin, Kayla, Makenzie, Taylor, Mattelyn, Maddison, Draysen, Kenadee, Baylee, Jaxson, Micah, Kembria, Ellie, Ronan, Andrew, Hudson, and Noelle.
She was preceded in death by her father Wm Thayne Earl, mother Lillian Sams, sister Gayla Jensen, and grandson Easton Hatch.
In accordance with Mom’s wishes, there will be a graveside service held for family and close friends. She will be laid to rest at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery in Gilbert AZ.
Memorials and graveside service are being arranged by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, however, please send flowers and other memorials to Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. Any questions please call Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 480-964-8686.
Debbie will always be remembered by family & friends
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Truly a beautiful special women. Just looking at her brings peace love
Went to school with her all twelve years and she always was good to me. Later in life when I realized we were on opposite pole on basically everything she demonstrated that was even a wonderful thing and it needn’t obscure the love and respect we’d always shared. Thank you, you’ll be missed. “Viva la différence”
Debbie was a sweet loving daughter of God. She is still watching over her children & grandchildren. I will always be grateful I had an opportunity to meet and be friends with Debbie. She always handled life with grace. May God bless her loved one with comfort & peace. Until you meet again! ???❤️
I’m debbie’s cousin, We’ve known each other since we were conscious, with withdrew. We went through all of Same schools together. I’ve known her most of her life. In our adult life i’ve talked to her many times and i’ve seen her trump hard times and great times. She will be missed.
I have known her since when we were little kids kindergarten and I she was my friend off and on thru Junior high at OEBell.I was sad reading that she had past last year.Was always wondering where she went from IF.Sending condolences to her family and friends.Im so sorry to hear this