Sunnie Hatch

Joyce Jeanette Hatch or “Sunnie” as she was known, a resident of Thatcher and formerly of Animas, New Mexico, entered into life eternal Sunday afternoon, February 19, 2023.  Sunnie was 84.

Sunnie was born July 14, 1938, the only child of Marvin and Gladys Harper.  Sunnie grew up on the family ranch in Red Rock, New Mexico until 6^th grade and then moved into Lordsburg, New Mexico to finish her education.  She grew up a curious child and loved nature and painting. She also played the piano.  On July 3, 1954 Sunnie married her sweetheart, Roy Anson Hatch.  They soon welcomed four children, James Lynn, Roy Dale, Charlotte Ann and Deann Jeanette.  Roy and Sunnie raised their children on the farm in Animas, NM and instilled in their children the blessing of hard work and service.  They had the opportunity to take care of aging parents and other children in their home.  Sunnie was a wonderful homemaker and also kept busy with projects like painting, sewing and jewelry making.  She developed an interest in herbs and holistic healing and had a small herb business.  Sunnie joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints shortly after marrying.  She faithfully served in many capacities and had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Sunnie leaves behind: four children, James Lynn Hatch, Roy Dale Hatch, Charlotte Ann Ellis and Deann Jeanette Robinson; twenty-four grandchildren; and fifty-six great grandchildren.  Sunnie was predeceased by: her father and mother, Marvin and Gladys Harper; and her dear husband of 66 years, Roy Anson Hatch.

Funeral services for Sunnie will be conducted Saturday morning, February 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Animas Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Animas, New Mexico, by Bishop Dan McDougal. Concluding services will follow in the Busy Bee Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, February 24, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home and Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., at the Animas Chapel  of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Junior Sunday School Room.

Those who would like to attend the services via Facebook Live can join on Vining Funeral Home's Facebook page, Saturday morning, February 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. (MST).