Kathleen Lenore Nowland Hatch

Kathleen Lenore Nowland Hatch, 81, of Bloomfield, New Mexico, passed on Oct 31, 2024 in the company of her loving husband Rulon. Kathleen and her twin, Katherine, were born in Blythe, California on July 24, 1943. They are the oldest children of Edwin Dal Nowland and Esther Marie Huntzinger Nowland. She graduated from Palo Verde High School in Blythe in 1961. Kathy attended Brigham Young University where she met Rulon Wayne Hatch of Panguitch, Utah. Kathy and Rulon were married in the St. George temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 6, 1964. They then transferred to Utah State University where Kathy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1966.

 Rulon and Kathy were married for 60 years. In that time, they raised their four children living in Connecticut, Minnesota, Texas, Idaho, and New Mexico. They have lived in the Bloomfield, New Mexico area for over 40 years. 

 Early in 2020 Kathy was diagnosed with a form of lung cancer and had battled the cancer since then. She faced this battle with faith, never fearing death, only wishing to have some more time with her family. She had a strong faith that families are forever and saw death as a step where she would be reunited with loved ones who had already passed on.

 Kathy had many interests and talents. She loved nature and gardening. She had a special love of roses, rocks and minerals, and hummingbirds. Her hobbies included scrapbooking, sewing, quilting, and family history. A life-long learner, Kathy loved to attend Education Week at BYU. 

 Kathy served in many church callings including teaching in Sunday School and seminary. She loved teaching Primary together with Rulon. She especially remembers writing and directing a roadshow which involved both children and youth. Serving in the temple was a special joy for Kathy.

 Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Esther Nowland, her baby sister, Gloria, and her brother, David. She is survived by her husband Rulon Hatch; her sister, Katherine Young, and her brothers Bill, George (Debbie), Melvin, and James (Carin) Nowland; her children, Marie Chambers (Fletcher), Brett Hatch (Tori), Lydia Ellis (Eric), and Bruce Hatch (Kelsey); 16 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.

 Services are Friday November 8, 2024 at the Bloomfield Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 902 Blanco Blvd, Bloomfield, NM. Services include a viewing at 10 am, a family prayer, and the funeral at 11 am. Interment will follow at the East Hammond Cemetery.