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We have met on this solemn occasion to pay our last respects to one of God’s choice daughters, who has been called home. At no time are we closer to our Heavenly Father than when we meet on occasions such as this.
I am grateful for the friendships of this good sister. I have known her since she moved to Scipio with her husband and family, but not intimately until the fall of 1937 when I moved into my present home and became her neighbor.
Sister Hatch knew righteousness and loved it. She knew what must be done, and no criticism or praise could change her from her course. All of her life she gave service to her fellow men. Homes of sickness knew her helping hand. Civic organizations were strengthened by her willingness to work. Many of the Church auxiliaries were blessed by her services, where no task was too difficult for her to attempt. She gave most generously of her time and energy, and was always ready to go the extra mile.
Her home was ever open to visitors, strangers and acquaintances alike. There was always room at her table for an extra plate. When my children were small and I missed them I knew where they were. Not only mine, but all the children in the neighborhood loved to go there. I marveled at her patience with so many little ones running in and out of her house.
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She seemed to enjoy them and was never too busy to visit with them and do little things to make them feel welcome and loved. Truly, the mark of a good teacher.
She followed the teachings of Christ when he said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
The Lord blessed her with many talents which she developed and shared with others to the joy and benefit of all who knew her.
She was blessed with a large family of whom she can be very proud. She used love and patience with them and that love has been returned. We all know the devotion of this family to their parents.
I would like to quote a few verses from the book of Proverbs, chapter 31. These are the descriptive of a good wife and mother, and I think they are so applicable to Sister Hatch.
“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household.”
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She stretcheth out her hands to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
May we who are here today find God as she did in service to their fellow men. May we be able to say as she did, “I know that my Redeemer lives.”
May peace fill the hearts of her children and grandchildren, that they may find solace and comfort.
Death is only an old door
Set in a garden wall
On gentle hinges, it gives at dusk
When the thrushes call,
Along the lintel are green leaves
Beyond, the light lies still
Very willing and weary feet
Step over the sill.
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There is nothing to trouble any heart
Nothing to hurt at all
Death is only a quiet door
In a garden wall,
May the Lord bless us all at this time, especially the family of Sister Hatch. I humbly pray.
June 19, 1870
