Florence and Willis Hatch

My family met Mr. & Mrs. Hatch when we first moved to Lowell over 20 years ago. We met at Alto United Methodist Church. They were so friendly and helpful. The Alto/Lowell Community was so fortunate to have this lovely couple to mentor us all. I know they are together again with our Heavenly Father.

Ish and Arlene will always be fond memories for me. They were our neighbors and extremly wonderful friends to my parents (Keith and Jane Graham). My parents were older then most kids when I was growing up, needless to say my brother and I were exposed to wonderful older and wise persons througout our lives. Ish and Arlene were among those. I feel so lucky to have known them. So many memories, so many fun times, our time with them will never be forgotten. They were great mentors not only...

My brother, Dick Behler, and I stopped by the farm to visit with our cousin Arlene and Ish in August of this year. We had a wonderful time talking with them about family news and the next Behler family reunion which was to take place at their farm next July. They were so glad to have us stop by. Both of them had that gift of making visitors feel special and welcome in their home. Arlene and Ish will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing them.

I only knew Mr. and Mrs. Hatch from Alto Beauty Shop. Mrs. Hatch had an appointment just before mine every Friday, till the former beauty operator retired. I felt like I had known them all my life. They were very special people, and I am only one of hundreds grieved by the loss.

My husband and I were so moved by their story of love and loss. I was just getting ready to mail a card to Mr. Hatch in the hospital when I heard that they were safe in each others arms forever. Wish we could all have a love like that.

We are so sorry for your loss.

Duane and Eleanor Ritsema

Ish and Arlene Hatch were wonderfully gracious and generous people. Every two years, from 1962 to 2006, they hosted the Behler family reunion on their farm near Alto. It was always on a Saturday in July and drew Arlene's relations from across Michigan and many states beyond. My parents, brothers and I would usually drive over from Minnesota a couple days early to help with the extra chores of getting the farm ready for this fun gathering. Staying on the farm for a day or two was a real...

I just spoke with Ish and Arlene about 4 weeks ago about things from school days when Arlene taught one of my classes. I am so glad I had that opportunity. They will both be missed very much by the community. Our condolences go to the family.