Bonnie Hatch

Bonnie Clara Hatch left this world December 2, 2023, to join her loved ones on the other side. She was born November 4, 1941, in Idaho Falls, ID to Albert and Melva Schwartz. She came in as number 6 in a family of 8 children. She grew up on the desert of Terreton, ID in a farming family. She learned at a young age the value of a dollar and the satisfaction of good, hard, honest work.

The Schwartz family was a tight knit group and Bonnie and her siblings were the best of friends. The friendships she shared with them were something very special and she cherished their times together. She loved to get together for their birthday lunches, double coupon shopping dates or their trips to Fort Hall or Jackpot.

Bonnie grew up across the street from Egbert’s sheep camp and lambing sheds in Terreton. This is where she first caught the eye of Lindsay Egbert Hatch, who soon became the center of her world. After a time of courtship, they decided forever was in their cards and were married on May 27, 1960. They made their home in Lindsay’s hometown of Driggs, ID. In 1962, they welcomed the first of two black-haired wild sons, David James Hatch. Two years later, in 1964, Lindsay Samuel Hatch joined their little tribe. They could not have been more proud to have raised the sons that they did. David and Sam were most definitely Bonnie’s pride and joy and their love for their mom was a testament to the bonds they shared.

Bonnie loved being a mother and often said she would have had many more children had she not been advised against it due to a heart murmur she developed after having rheumatic fever as a child. Bonnie was given her opportunity to mother a whole herd of heathens when her two adoring sons blessed her with 8 grandchildren (later adding 22 great grandchildren) to love on and nurture. She never missed an opportunity to support whatever sport or activity they were involved in. From dance to basketball or baseball and bull riding to gymnastics, she was the very best cheerleader. Bonnie used to gather her family every week for Sunday dinners, and it has always been the general consensus amongst the grandkids that literally everything tasted better at Grandmas house. Folks, we are talking everything. Right down to the glass of water that came out of the same dang well. She always had a pot of coffee on, a listening ear, a solution to help find, a warm shoulder to cry on and a laugh to share.

Bonnie worked as the Teton County Idaho Treasurer for 28 years and would always say that the only things to be counted on in life for certain were death and taxes. So far, we have yet to find proof she may have been wrong. Bonnie also used to joke that she would probably have to carry on as a tax collector in her next life. Before her time as Treasurer, Bonnie worked in the Teton County Clerk’s office for 14 years. She truly loved the community in which she served, “her girls” in the office, and the lifelong friends she made while there.

Words fall short at describing just how loved this wonderful lady was by her family, her friends and all who knew her. While she was small in stature, the hole that remains in the wake of her passing is tremendous. She was a true example of “in a world where you can be anything, Be Kind.” Kind, she was. God really broke the mold when he made this one and he certainly broke a lot of hearts when he called her home.

She is preceded in death by: Husband: Lindsay Egbert Hatch Parents: Albert & Melva Schwartz. Son: David James Hatch. Daughter: DeAnne Hatch Kaufman. Sisters: Norma (Hank) Garner, Carol (Don) Shenton, Mary Lou Schwartz. Brothers: Le Grande Schwartz, Leon (Gwen) Schwartz, Tony Staley. Grandsons: Chad James Shirley, Brett Allen Jennings.

Bonnie is survived by: Son: Sam (Cindy) Hatch. Sisters: Ann Marie Staley, Faye (Evan) Morgan. Grandchildren: Rachel (Spencer) Smith. Sheena (Matt) van Leerdam, Amy Jennings, Stephanie (Lee) Toldson, Sara (Josh) Shipley, Sadie (Dillon) Shumway, Mick Lee Grandy, Seth David Hatch; and 22 Great-Grandchildren

In lieu of flowers the family would like to ask that you hug your families. Tell them you love them. Be kind to your neighbors. Help someone in need. Try to live a life a little more like Bonnie.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at a date and time yet to be determined.