About Molliemae Hatch
Molliemae Taylor Johnson Hatch, 101, peacefully passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at her home in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born in Pleasant View, Utah to Harvey Leslie and Lucelle Rhees Taylor May 7, 1920. Most of her life was spent in Arizona, moving to Thatcher in 1927 with her parents, older brother Darrel, and two younger sisters, Janyce and Betty when their father became president of Gila College. The family later moved to Mesa when he became principal and superintendent of Mesa Schools.
Mollie loved life. She loved to learn, excelled in her studies, and enjoyed planning and organizing activities. She adored her parents and siblings and loved being with family and friends. As a young girl she liked to play make-believe which included building air castles (dreams). She had such a great attitude, saying the castles were often broken but were fun to rebuild. She always seemed to make the best of things, moving forward with a happy heart.
She studied education and home economics at Arizona State Teachers College (now ASU) in Tempe and became an excellent homemaker and master teacher during her 20 years of teaching in the Mesa Public Schools.
The wife of Harvey M. Johnson, she enjoyed living on Desert Crest Dairy Farm where Harvey, along with his parents, L. Angus and Romie Johnson, raised award- winning Ayrshire cattle. Mollie was a wonderful homemaker where she spent many hours cooking delicious meals for her four children, sewing beautiful dresses for her daughters, and creating a loving and peaceful environment where her children could thrive. The family enjoyed many desert picnics and Mollie was enthralled by the colorful Arizona sunsets and beauty of the desert. She was always thankful for the majesty of God’s creations.
In 1980 Mollie met Aquilla S. Hatch, in the Mesa LDS temple where Mollie was serving. Within 7 months they were married. Mollie retired from teaching school and moved with Quill to Taylor, AZ. After nearly 20 years they moved back to Mesa and then to Gilbert where Quill passed in 2006. They had many happy years together. Quill’s family loved Mollie and she loved them, she being the only grandmother most of the grandchildren ever knew. Their union brought a special loving relationship between the Hatch and the Johnson families that will be eternal.
Mollie loved to read, play games and be with family. It was always evident she loved each one individually and dearly. All her life Mollie showed grace and dedication to her family and associates. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois with Quill. She was always a true and steady example of a Christ-like life.
A kind and gracious lady, Mollie was dearly loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed, but her sweet influence will live on.
Molliemae is preceded in death by husbands Harvey Johnson and Aquilla Hatch. She leaves behind a rich legacy to her children, Diane Maloy (Bill-deceased), Cathy Wheeler (Doug-deceased), Thomas (Joy), Becky Porter (Kimball), 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by stepchildren Rosemarie Jarvis (Marvin), Dale (Pam)-both deceased, Theron (Anna), Lorin (Lina), Doris Lunt (Larry), 28 grandchildren, 92 great-grandchildren, and 35 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, February 12 at 10:00 AM with visitation from 9-9:45 (closed casket), at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 234 N. Greenfield Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234. Services may be streamed from the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82035173759
Interment: Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery, 400 Center Street, Taylor, AZ 85939 Monday, February 14, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com . Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com , please check our website for accurate details and service information.