Melba Lula Hatch

Melba Lula Hatch was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. After living a faithful life of purpose, Melba peacefully passed away on December 31, 2022, at age 92, in Farmington, Utah. 

Melba was born in 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ralph and Lula Moffat. She had two older brothers, Ralph and Max. Their father passed away suddenly when she was 9 years old, leaving them in the capable care of their strong, independent mother. Melba was close to her mother, who taught her faith, hard work, and thrift. 

Melba took piano lessons at the McCune Mansion in Salt Lake City and learned to love beautiful music, which she used in her adult years to create an edifying, peaceful home environment. After graduating from Granite High School, she attended the University of Utah, and met Lloyd Hatch on a blind date. After a short courtship, they were married in 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. 

Lloyd and Melba's first children, Kenneth and Jill, were born in Panguitch, Utah where Lloyd worked on the Hatch family ranch. They moved to Seattle, Washington in 1957 where Lloyd attended dental school and Melba worked as secretary to the dean of women at the University of Washington. Their third child, Shelley, was born during the dental school years. Jeffrey and Karen were born after Lloyd graduated from dental school.  Lloyd and Melba moved to Shoreline, where they raised their five children and lived for 59 years.
 
Lloyd and Melba's marriage is best described as one of faith and teamwork. Melba worked with Lloyd in the dental office as bookkeeper and assistant and they worked seamlessly together to create a loving home of faith in raising their five children. Melba loved fresh flowers from the garden that Lloyd cultivated and often arranged them for their home and shared them with others.
 
Melba's life was filled with constant, quiet service to people, and faithful service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a dedicated visiting teacher, and a faithful teacher and leader in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations. Lloyd and Melba served together in the Seattle area Asian branch.
 
Melba was a talented seamstress, homemaker, genealogist, and family historian. She authored two family history books about the women in her family. Melba--ever devoted to her family--loved to gather them and create memories. She always wanted everyone included. Her Thanksgiving family dinners with the delicious food hot and ready at the same moment is a treasured memory. 
 
Like her mother before her, Melba lived independently for many years after the death of her husband Lloyd in 2007. She is survived by their five children-Kenneth (Cindy), Jill (Alan), Shelley (Marcus) Jeffrey (Andrea), and Karen (Scott)-and 23 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.

The family expresses deep appreciation for all the kind service that hospice and many caregivers have given our mother. Thank you!
 
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ricks Creek Chapel,1475 N. 50 E. Centerville, Utah, where a viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services. Melba will be buried at Floral Hills Cemetery in Lynnwood, Washington
 
Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory facebook page and on this obituary page. It will also be streamed live at this link: https://youtu.be/r4xixJZNJ3Q.