12/27/2008
Rebecca Jean (May) Hatch was born on January 13, 1930, in Knoxville, Iowa. She was one of seven children born to Mary Stout and William “Bill” Bingaman May. Becky attended school in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947.
On June 20, 1947, Rebecca Jean May married her high school sweetheart, Robert Jenkins Hatch at her parent’s home in Knoxville. To this union, five children were born.
Becky was a long-time member of the Rebekka’s Lodge in Knoxville and the Eagles Auxiliary.
She was a devoted Christian who loved to testify about her beliefs. She often led
“The Lord’s Prayer” in her nursing home room. Becky was a faithful member of the
First United Methodist Church in Knoxville. The family was the center of Becky’s life.
She enjoyed sending cards for special events and often drew cartoon characters for the children.
Raising her family was a “full-time” avocation. Her husband, Bob,
often said, “You could never have found a more loving Mom.” She always had a special
place in her heart for babies. When Becky had spare time she liked to embroider.
Due to her poor health, Becky spent over 26 years in care facilities.
Becky Hatch passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2008, at Westridge Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville at the age of 78 years, 11 months, and 14 days.
Those family members who preceded her in death were her parents; husband; 1 grandson,
Ben; 1 great-grandson, Lukas; 3 brothers, Grant, Jack, and Jimmy May; and 1 sister,
Vera May Powers.
Those left to mourn her passing are five children and their spouses; Stephen Clayton
Hatch and his wife, Nancy, William Doyle Hatch and his wife, Carol, Cerena Kay Hoskins
and her husband, John, Rhonda Jo Thompson and her husband, Myron, and Donna Joy Flattery
and her husband, Jerry all of Knoxville; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren;
and two brothers, Joe May of Florida and Donnie May of Texas.
Funeral services were held December 30 at the Williams Funeral Home with interment
in Graceland Cemetery. Casket bearers were: Aaron Claver, Jerry and Matt Flattery, Bill, Brian, and Steve Hatch. Honorary casket bearers were: Adam Claver, Brad Flattery,
Ben, Eric and Mike Hatch, and Myron Thompson.
Music selections were: “In The Garden”
with Eric Hatch, vocalist, and Jim Kidder, organist; “The Old Rugged Cross” with
Robin Flattery, vocalist; and “Angels”, CD by Randy Travis.
Memorials may be sent
to Hospice of Central Iowa or Westridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Activity
Fund.