Paul Burbank Hatch

Paul Burbank Hatch passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by his beloved wife and all his living children. Paul was born and raised in Ogden, Utah and had a wonderful childhood hiking and skiing in the mountains of Northern Utah. Paul led a life of service and devotion to his family, community, country, and Church. He graduated from Ogden High School and attended Weber State College. He then served a 2 ½ year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints among the Maori people of New Zealand where he developed a lifetime love for the Polynesians of Hawaii and the South Pacific. Paul served in the US Army during the Korean War and then attended Brigham Young University where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. He was then employed by the Phoenix Union High School District for 35 years as a teacher and Guidance Counselor, serving at Central High School and Metro Tech where he influenced and gave wise guidance to hundreds of youth.
Paul's crowning achievement was his 65-year marriage to his wife, Ruth Steele, and together they created a loving family of 8 children. Paul lived a life of dedication to his Savior Jesus Christ. He served in many Church leadership roles including as Counselor in the Phoenix East Stake Presidency and as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Paul's favorite scripture and parting comments to you is found in St. Paul's writings in 1st Corinthians 2:9, which reads, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
Paul is survived by his wife, Ruth, 7 children-Brett (Lirio) Hatch, Bruce (Rebecca) Hatch, Cheryl (Christopher) Haws, Christy (Wes) Whittaker, Burke Hatch, Mark (Monica) Hatch, and
James (Tiffany) Hatch-18 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Eldred and Fay Hatch, brother Richard, and daughter Leigh Ann.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, November 21st, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 2559 E. Combs Road in San Tan Valley, AZ. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix.