Obituary of Ruth M. Hatcher

Ruth M. Hatcher, 91, of North Roanoke Co. went to her heavenly home on Friday, October 9, 2015. She passed away peacefully in her own home. She was preceded by her loving husband, Frank Hatcher, Jr., twin daughters, Ellen Sue and Nancy Lou, and a grandson, Steve. Born on May 17, 1924 to Mr. & Mrs. Nelson T. McCormick of Starkey, Ruth was the second oldest of four children; Elizabeth Wilson (John), Nelson McCormick, Jr. and Jean Scott McCormick Pedigo (Jack).She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and worked briefly for Dixie Finance Co. in Roanoke. She met her devoted husband Frank on a date at Lakeside Amusement Park that a mutual friend had arranged for the couple to meet. The couple was married on September 17, 1948, and she became a dedicated homemaker, raising five children and being blessed by many grand and great grandchildren. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children, David L. Hatcher of Daleville, Lena H. Beason and husband Rick of Roanoke, and Joe J. Hatcher of Vinton; numerous grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Along with a host of other relatives and friends. Ruth explored many talents the Lord blessed her with over her lifetime including sewing, flower arranging, gardening, photography, painting ceramics. In 1965, the couple was approached by a beloved local church planter, Dr. H. Walton Connelly to see about starting a new Baptist church in the rapidly growing Peters Creek community in which they lived. Green Ridge Chapel soon to became Green Ridge Baptist Church was charted and became a vibrant, growing church body. Dr. Connelly served as the first pastor and was followed by the Rev. Sam P. Wall. Ruth taught Sunday school, and enjoyed singing in the choir and using her talents to help decorate the sanctuary with flower arrangements. She enjoyed playing various hymns by ear on her home organ. Later on, she became interested in raising Lhasa Apsos. Her kennel produced numerous pedigree champions over the course of 25 years. Ruth forged many close relationships over the years when she would place a puppy in a new home and pass on the love she had for her canine pals. The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers she had through Gentle Shepherd Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to: Hollins Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, 7401 Barrens Road, Roanoke Va. 24019. A funeral service celebrating Mrs. Hatcher’s life will be held 2:30pm Monday October 12, 2015 at Simpson Funeral Home with Pastor Bryan Smith officiating. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home before the service on Monday October 12, 2015 from 1:00pm till service time at 2:30pm.