Joseph Ray Hatch

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Joseph Ray Hatch, 65, of Sandy Utah, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on August 8, 1955 in Salina, Utah to DeVerl Herrick Hatch and Margaret Belle Ipson.  He grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah and graduated from Pleasant Grove High School and Seminary in 1973.  He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New York Rochester Mission.

Joe met his eternal sweetheart, Geri Lyn Howlett, on his birthday and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 20, 1978.  Joe graduated from the Utah Technical College in Auto Mechanics.

His special place was in the mountains in which he enjoyed camping, hiking, and he was an enthusiastic fisherman.  He also enjoyed reading, playing games, gardening, and telling jokes.  He was deeply devoted to spending time with his family and was honored to be a passionate father of six beautiful children and treasured each one.

His career as a bus driver for Canyons School District gave him a sense of fulfillment and contentment and he had a special heart for individuals with special needs.  He held various callings in the church which included being a scoutmaster and faithful Elder while also serving and ministering to others.  He loved serving as an ordinance worker in the Draper Utah Temple.  Joe left a delightful and stunning legacy of joy and love.

He is survived by his dear wife of 43 years, Geri Lyn; children Karen (Justin) Gundry, Mindy Lee (Richard) Adams, Spencer Joseph (Heather) Hatch, Sarah Hatch, Carilyn (Chad) Andersen, and Alicia (Aaron) Gerberding; grandchildren Heidi, Amiah, Jacob, Kyle and Blake; sister Emma M. Melugin, and his nieces and nephews.  Joe is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Neil (brother), Ben (brother), and Susie Jonel (sister).

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the LDS Chapel on 1475 East 8600 South, Sandy, Utah 84093 at 12:00 pm.  A viewing will be held one hour prior to funeral services until 11:45 am.  The wearing of masks and physical distancing is appreciated in accordance with current guidelines.  Funeral will be available by broadcast online at https://youtu.be/Tsuf3t1TS1g .

Special appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff of Intermountain Health Care and to Leslie, Diana, and Holly of South Mountain Dialysis.