Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Janet Hatcher Obituary
Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home
Early Sunday morning, January 4, 2009, Janet Rae Hatcher, beloved by all who knew her, was called home. She died of complications from diabetes.
Janet was born on August 4, 1941, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Evelyn Mae (Spencer) Weamer and Wendell Raymond Weamer. It was there that she grew up the oldest and wisest of three children (big sister to twins, David and Delores).
Mom loved to learn, and soon decided to put that love into action. She attended Youngstown University, where she graduated with her teaching degree. Janet and two of her friends left for Palmdale, California, in her '65 Chevelle convertible where she accepted a teaching position. Shortly after she started teaching, she met the 'loves' of her life, Lyle Hatcher and his 2-year-old daughter, Linda. They all fell in love and soon became a family on March 18, 1966. Mom knew the importance of the mother's influence in a child's life and decided to put her teaching career on hold to become a full-time wife and mother to her new daughter and husband.
After their marriage, Lyle's job took them many places, including New York, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, California and Germany. In 1972, their son, Len, joined their family. Mom loved having a boy. Eventually they ended up in the Tri-Cities looking for some land so Lyle could do a bit of farming on the side. They happily settled in Burbank, WA, in 1977. Janet would laugh when Lyle purchased yet another 'twig' to plant in their yard, and soon enough, the orchard began.
In 1979, Janet decided to return to the classroom where she spent many happy years, teaching third grade and making a huge impact. Over the 30 years of teaching she influenced nearly a thousand students by being one of the most loving and caring teachers a child will ever be blessed to have. Janet was honored to receive the Crystal Apple Award in 2002, as well as many other professional recognitions. She always took a personal interest in her students. It was not unusual to find her at a ballet or piano recital, or at a baseball game of not only students she currently had, but former students as well. In the spring, her mailbox would be flooded with graduation and wedding invitations of those children she had made a lasting impression on.
Janet had many loves. She loved to read, she loved animals, she loved to travel, she loved to be with her friends and she loved to be a grandma! She was a member of many professional organizations in the community including the International Reading Association. She also was a part of The Red Hat Society, GNO (Girls Night Out, spearheading service projects), Bunko and the Two Rivers Riding Association.
Although Janet had many interests of her own, she was always willing to embrace new experiences, especially if it involved her family. She became a horseman, a John Wayne fan, an apple wizard and a No. 1 soccer, football and basketball cheerleader, never missing a grandchild's game. In the last 20 years, it was this role of 'Grandma' that she truly excelled at, not only to her own, but countless others referred to her as Grandma as well, a very high honor.
Janet was preceded in death by both of her parents.
Janet is survived at home by her sweet husband, Lyle Hatcher; her two children, Linda McCullough (James) and Leonard Hatcher; and her precious grandchildren, Lauran, Trenton and Alison McCullough. She also leaves her brother, David Weamer (Joni), and her sister, Delores Robson (Jay) and many wonderful nieces, nephews and in-laws. Not to be forgotten her beloved beagle Bosco.
Tribute to my Wife:
My Janet:
She was my wife of 43 years, my companion, my lover and my friend. She was the teacher of many students and mother of our children.
She was a brilliant listener and a very compassionate person to all. She helped to shape the lives of many, including her third grade school children. She loved them all deeply and they all loved her. She tried her best to be fair and always caring to each and every one.
Her grandchildren were the very best and to her they were, and are still the greatest.
She will be deeply missed by all and will always have a very special place in my heart.
I love you, Lyle
Memorial service will be Friday the 9th of January at the Cathedral of Joy, 1153 Gage Blvd., Richland, WA 99352 at 4:30 p.m. Reception to follow.
The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janet Hatcher
rite aid pharmacy
January 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sharon Davin
January 9, 2009
Lyle, Linda, James, Loren, Trent and Allie,
We are so sorry for the loss of Janet. She was a delight in everyones eyes. We will miss her at the sporting events and church. Please call us if you need anything.
Love Tracy, Sharon, Sidonia and Austin Davin
Kelly Wirtzberger
January 9, 2009
Hatcher Family,
Mrs. Hatcher has crossed my mind once a year for the past several years. During the season of Thanksgiving, I look through 2 boxes of things that remind me what I should be Thankful for. At some point, I always stumble upon my daughters 3rd grade class picture with a report card attached to it. It reminds me of Mrs. Hatcher speaking to my daughter after a dance recital, and then telling me she needed to speak to me at at upcoming conference. After several days of wondering what could have happened, I arrived at the conference and all went well. When I reminded her that she had mentioned she needed to tell me something, with a twinkle in her eye and a bright smile while she giggled, she informed me that my daughter had become good friends with a substitute while she was gone. Evidently, this young teacher had told the class that due to the wind, she was having a hard time keeping her hair in place, and then proceeded to tell them what was planned after they came in from recess. My helpful daughter let the teacher know that Mrs. Hatcher did not do things that way, but offered to stay in from recess to tell her how things went.......And....if the teacher would let her use the phone, she would call her mom to bring some Aqua Net and she wouldn't have to worry about her hair the whole rest of the day! My daughter was sure that is what Mrs. Hatcher used, because her hair was always perfect. I was mortified. Mrs. Hatcher knew I was not comfortable, so with her sweet calm smile while she touched my arm, she told me not to mention it to my daughter since she wasn't being disrespectful, and I shouldn't discourage thoughtful communication. Also attached to the report card is another card that arrived 9 years later, 2 days prior to graduation and not a moment too soon. My daughter was having a crisis (not the one described by Webster) about graduating and questioning whether she would be a failure. Inside the card, Mrs. Hatcher had written how it seemed like yesterday that she walked through her classroom door, and the moment she saw her, she knew she was a leader and could succeed at anything! She ended with I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, and I was lucky to have you for a student. For a few minutes, a peace came over my daughter, and she was amazed that Mrs. Hatcher would remember her or take the time to write some a lovely note. I know my child was not the only one that received a card like this prior to graduation. She took extra time for all of her kids. My only regret is that I didn't follow through each year to send her a Thank You.....When I told my daughter about her passing, she said "WOW I LOVED that woman, I am so GLAD she was my teacher". My only response was, "me too baby, me too". I am sure they just don't make'em like that anymore. Memories of her unconditional love and smile will always be with those touched by her. She will live on for years to come.
Linda, I just got off the phone with Jeff Melder....He sends his love..You are all in our prayers!
Love, Harold and Bev Hatcher
January 8, 2009
Lyle,Linda,& Lennie,
We were all very shocked at the news of losing Janet so soon. She had so much love to give. She was always interested in everyone's lifes, wondering how everyone was doing. Janet had a way of making you feel like you were talking to your best friend. She was a special person and we'll all miss her. Our vacations together were wonderful and we'll all miss her so much. Always remember all the good times you had with her Lyle. She'll always be with us in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennifer,Shelby& Jakob Hatcher
January 8, 2009
Uncle Lyle,Linda,and Lennie,
I was so sad to hear of Aunt Janet passing. She will be missed by all. She was such a caring and compassionate woman. I always loved seeing you both when you came back to Iowa. She was always asking how the kids where and how they were doing in school. She had a huge heart. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Hardy
January 8, 2009
Uncle Lyle, Lenny and Linda,
I was so sad to hear of Aunt Janet's passing. She was such a caring individual. Very loving lady. We will all miss her so much. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Natasha (Lybbert) Woodward
January 8, 2009
I was blessed to have Mrs. Hatcher as my teacher and treasure the memories I have of her. She was so very sweet and genuine, with a warm smile.
Gary and Judy Meacham
January 8, 2009
Our condolences to Lyle and family. It was good to know such a kind and giving person as Janet. It was good to touch base with her again in Water Aerobics and social gatherings. Gary remembers her from teaching although they were at opposite ends of Columbia School District. Our heart goes out to you.
Gary and Judy Meacham
Tiffany LeDuc
January 8, 2009
Mr. Hatcher and family,
I was one of Mrs. Hatcher's students, my condolences to you and your family. I was hoping that my children would have her as a teacher. She was also so good to me, I didn't always sit down and listen.
Virginia Harlan (Percifield)
January 8, 2009
Lenny, Lyle & Family,
My deepest condolences to you and yours during this time of mourning. Mrs. Hatcher was indeed one of the most brilliant and patient teachers. I'm not sure I ever seen her not smiling. She had such a wonderful spirit that would beam like a ray of sunshine on the darkest days. I remember officiating a basketball game that her granddaughter was playing in and I could not go on after seeing her without a big hug. As usual, the hug warmed my heart. She will be missed.
Love,
Virginia
Keith Hatcher
January 7, 2009
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Colleen Wessling
January 7, 2009
Dear Uncle Lyle, Linda(Linda's family) and Lennie,
Words can not express my deepest sorrow I feel knowing that Aunt Janet is no longer with us. She was always so kind to me and my family. Always so kind hearted when you would talk to her when you were back in Iowa. Always writing such lovely thoughts in her Christmas cards. She will be greatly missed by all. I read the obituatary you posted in the Tri-City Herald and you can just feel the love that surrounds her. What a very special lady God gave to us all to share. I wish you much peace and in the trying days ahead. I know how hard it is to loose something to close and precious to you and I will be praying for you all. Please know that God will be holding you all in the palms of his hands.
Much love, The Wessling Family,
Sean, Colleen, Alex, Brianna and Caitlin
Nancy Lyons
January 7, 2009
Lyle and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Janet. She was such a dear, kind and generous person. I really appreciated her support and the contacts she made to help me reach children with the Food is Elementary curriculum. I enjoyed seeing her smiling face at all of the CHIP functions. I hope that your many memories will fill your mind, warm your heart and lead you through this difficult time. I hope that time will bring peace and comfort to your sorrow.
With love,
Kay Workinger
January 7, 2009
Dear Lyle and family,
Little do we realize when we meet someone what the future holds for us. Janet and I were raised just 23 miles apart (Newton Falls, OH) and yet God brought us together here at the Tri-City Court Club and your apple orchard. I know that your hearts are breaking. I cannot attend the memorial. I am way too emotional. But I hope you will know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. It was a pleasure to know Janet, and you are right: she touched our hearts. Kay
Marie Hughes
January 7, 2009
I want to say thank you to the Hatcher family for sharing such a wonderful lady us. She has shaped so many young lives, mine included. I was one of the few students that were able to have her twice. Learning was very difficult for me, and she helped me see through my struggles. I owe a lot of my success to her, because before her I never knew I could succeed. I will never forget her.
Love, Marie (Harvill) Hughes
Columbia Burbank Class '97
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Janet Hatcher's name
Memorial Events
for Janet Hatcher
How to support Janet's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Janet Hatcher's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
