Tributes

Joe Franklin Hatch peacefully entered the presence of our Lord and Savior with his family and loving wife by his side at his home on September 11, 2020. He was born on October 13, 1937 to his parents James and Iris Hatch in Colville, Washington. Joe graduated from Ephrata High School in 1957. Following graduation, he worked for Ephrata Oxygen. In years following Joe was a contributing carpenter to many of the local dams in Washington. Because of Joe’s stature and strength, he was often assigned tasks that others were not able to complete. The dam he was most proud of was his contributions to the development of Grand Coulee Dam. His next work adventure was daily trips out to the Hanford site where he, and his commuting buddies worked long hours with memorable road trips to and from. Joe is best known for his final work endeavor at the Ephrata School District as a dedicated custodian. Many remember Joe for his dedication and friendly demeanor – never short of a story to share. Joe retired in 2002. Following retirement, he kept busy by helping others using his construction and carpenter skills. Volunteering was another favorite past time activity. Some of the beneficiaries of his service were the Ephrata Food Bank, United Methodist Church, Kiwanis, the Ephrata Baseball concession stands, and many neighbors, friends, and family, of which we are so greatly thankful and appreciative of. On June 3, 1963 Joe married his first and only love, Camilla Toland. Together they committed everything to their three children; James, Cami, and Melissa. Joe passed away in the house he and Camilla purchased in 1972. Using his construction and carpentry skills, he doubled the size of its meager footprint into being a comfortable home for the family of five. Joe is survived by his wife Camilla; Son James (Shellie), Daughter Cami (Del) Krumm, and daughter Melissa McKnight. Joe was most proud of his seven grandchildren; Ryan (Carrie) Hatch, Joey Hatch, Jake Hatch, Chase Krumm, Cameron McKnight, Je_ Hatch and Brooke McKnight and his two great grandson twins Everett and Maverick Hatch. He is also survived by his dedicated best friend John Antosz, his sisters Anna Meyers and Clara Hagy, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews He was proceeded in death by his son-in-law Chris McKnight, sister Lucille Moore, brother Ray Hatch and parents James and Iris Hatch. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 2:00pm at the Valley View Memorial Park, 20174 Rd A NE, Soap Lake, WA. Due to the current COVID-19 situation we are asking that anyone who chooses to attend practice social distancing. We will not be hosting any kind of gathering following the ceremony. The family wants to thank all those who assisted in making Joe’s last days comfortable and positive, especially Hospice, Specialist Solutions, Dr. Quinn, Pastor Dunn and Jeremy Burns and his team, and those who prayed along side us. In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution in Joe’s name at the Ephrata Food Bank, located at 1010 A Street SE, Ephrata, Washington 98823. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata.

Tributes

Joe Franklin Hatch

October 13, 1937 - September 11, 2020