Molliemae Taylor Johnson Hatch, 101, peacefully passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at her home in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born in Pleasant View, Utah to Harvey Leslie and Lucelle Rhees Taylor May 7, 1920. Most of her life was spent in Arizona, moving to Thatcher in 1927 with her parents, older brother Darrel, and two younger sisters, Janyce and Betty when their father became president of Gila College. The family later moved to Mesa when he became principal and superintendent of Mesa Schools.
Mollie loved life. She loved to learn, excelled in her studies, and enjoyed planning and organizing activities. She adored her parents and siblings and loved being with family and friends. As a young girl she liked to play make-believe which included building air castles (dreams). She had such a great attitude, saying the castles were often broken but were fun to rebuild. She always seemed to make the best of things, moving forward with a happy heart.
She studied education and home economics at Arizona State Teachers College (now ASU) in Tempe and became an excellent homemaker and master teacher during her 20 years of teaching in the Mesa Public Schools.
The wife of Harvey M. Johnson, she enjoyed living on Desert Crest Dairy Farm where Harvey, along with his parents, L. Angus and Romie Johnson, raised award- winning Ayrshire cattle. Mollie was a wonderful homemaker where she spent many hours cooking delicious meals for her four children, sewing beautiful dresses for her daughters, and creating a loving and peaceful environment where her children could thrive. The family enjoyed many desert picnics and Mollie was enthralled by the colorful Arizona sunsets and beauty of the desert. She was always thankful for the majesty of God’s creations.
In 1980 Mollie met Aquilla S. Hatch, in the Mesa LDS temple where Mollie was serving. Within 7 months they were married. Mollie retired from teaching school and moved with Quill to Taylor, AZ. After nearly 20 years they moved back to Mesa and then to Gilbert where Quill passed in 2006. They had many happy years together. Quill’s family loved Mollie and she loved them, she being the only grandmother most of the grandchildren ever knew. Their union brought a special loving relationship between the Hatch and the Johnson families that will be eternal.
Mollie loved to read, play games and be with family. It was always evident she loved each one individually and dearly. All her life Mollie showed grace and dedication to her family and associates. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois with Quill. She was always a true and steady example of a Christ-like life.
A kind and gracious lady, Mollie was dearly loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed, but her sweet influence will live on.
Molliemae is preceded in death by husbands Harvey Johnson and Aquilla Hatch. She leaves behind a rich legacy to her children, Diane Maloy (Bill-deceased), Cathy Wheeler (Doug-deceased), Thomas (Joy), Becky Porter (Kimball), 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by stepchildren Rosemarie Jarvis (Marvin), Dale (Pam)-both deceased, Theron (Anna), Lorin (Lina), Doris Lunt (Larry), 28 grandchildren, 92 great-grandchildren, and 35 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, February 12 at 10:00 AM with visitation from 9-9:45 (closed casket), at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 234 N. Greenfield Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234. Services may be streamed from the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82035173759
Interment: Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery, 400 Center Street, Taylor, AZ 85939 Monday, February 14, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
What a beautiful woman always willing to share her love and smile with everyone! She will be missed
I loved Molliemae, knew her since I was 12, living in Mesa. When she married Quill and moved to Taylor, we were once again in the same Ward. Quill was my husband’s uncle so we knew him well. Molliemae held my younger children on her lap while I did her hair. She was always a beautiful little lady and will be greatly missed. My love to her family. Becky I pray the hole in your heart will soon heal, hold to her memories and they will comfort you. Love you.
Mollie was a ray of sunshine for our Fri get together. It was pure joy spending time together so loving of everything and one. l will be forever thankful to have had Mollie in my life.
Love Molliemae, she always had a sweet happy loving smile on her and was always happy to see all of us at church, I’m so happy she in our Lords arms ✨
I had the privilege of knowing Molly through my loving friendship with her sister Janyce. Jan lived in Arizona for a very long time and considered it her home state. Molly‘s family was her family there. They readily invited me into their fold. I love and appreciate all of them and especially the closeness Jan felt with everyone in Molly’s family but especially of course her dear sister. Her wonderful smile and positive spirit is certainly be missed but live on as well Jan’s. Quite a family those Taylor’s.
I only had the pleasure of visiting with Mollie (and Uncle Quil) a few times over the years but she was always gracious and welcoming to us as part of the extended family of Pearce connections.
Sending sympathies and love to all the
family from Mary Lou Pearce, Theresa Pearce and Boyd Pearce Jr.
My favorite memories of Mollimae are from the time I was a teenager and spent a lot of time at the Johnson home. She always made me feel welcome. I can still hear in my mind that soft little giggle of hers as she greeted me. She was around when Cathy and I would get ready for a special date that night-standing on her toes to help our dates pin the corsage on us. She was little, but she was mighty. Such a remarkable woman. She lived her life well-a great example to her family and all of us. I am grateful to have known her. Diane, Cathy, Becky and Tommy and families ( and all the step children and grands), may you find peace now and remember the happy times with her. Love to you all!
Molliemae is an amazing lady… I enjoyed our paths as they crossed! She is a wonderful mother to a beautiful family and always had time to visit with others… She will always have a tender place in my heart!
Mollie was a sweet lady. My Grandparents thought the world of her & how she loved & cared for Romie & Angus. Tom & Becky, our prayers of comfort are with you & your families.
Oh how we love Molliemae! She’s the sweetest little lady ever! She would always walk around the block and be at church every Sunday. We had the privilege of taking her to church when Becky and Kim were called in the Young Adult ward. We got to know her more then. Here’s a little story about Molliemae…..I was riding my bike years ago around the block. I came around the corner and she was on the ground by the trash and recycle bins. I asked her if she was ok and she just had a sweet little laugh and said yes. I asked her what had happened and she said she put the trash in the wrong bin. So she was trying to get it out and it tipped over along with her. She said don’t tell Becky. I said I won’t but you will. She just laughed and I helped her get up. Thank goodness she didn’t get hurt. Molliemae you will be missed so much and I know we’ll see you again. What an amazing life you had and posterity you left to carry on your example! We love you!❤️❤️❤️