Oleen Nelson Hatch July 28, 1930 ~ September 3, 2024

Oleen Nelson Hatch, 94, died September 3, 2024, at his home in Monticello, Utah, surrounded by his wife and family. Oleen was born July 28, 1930, in Parowan, Utah, the sixth of nine children of Amos Chester and Sarah Edna Stohl Hatch. He married his wife, Clara Mae Grimshaw Hatch, in the St. George Temple on March 6, 1952. They were married for 72 years.

As a young boy, Oleen and his family spent time in Ft. Warren, Wyoming because of his father’s military service. It was a carefree and happy time for Oleen, complete with some shenanigans, but without the responsibilities of milking, gardening, and managing the property that would be required a few years later in Parowan, where Oleen spent most of his youth.

During Oleen’s young teenage years, when his dad deployed during WWII, Oleen became the “man of the house.” He managed the property and yard, milked the cow, cared for animals, and raised a garden and orchard to feed the large family. He continued throughout his life to raise and produce the best of fruits and vegetables, caring for his garden, orchard, and large yard until the last few days of his life.

Oleen and Clara Mae raised six children. Oleen’s clever sense of humor and adventurous spirit made for a happy and entertaining childhood for all of them. His funny original poems and hilarious song parodies are cherished treasures. He constantly planned adventurous activities, games, and challenges for his kids and the neighborhood children. While living in Fillmore, Marjorie Upshaw joined the family. Oleen was delighted to add another daughter and the family would not have been complete without her.

Education was important to Oleen. His family enjoyed adventures and experiences moving to different locations while he furthered his education, culminating in a Masters Degree in History at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. He taught school for many years in Kanosh, Utah (where he was the principal and coach); Fillmore, Utah; Winslow, Arizona; and Monticello. Oleen was appreciative of all his students who made teaching worthwhile and rewarding. Early in his teaching career, he also worked for the Forest Service during the summer months, fighting many forest fires.

Oleen was a hard worker. He rarely replaced any item that could possibly be repaired; he lived a simple life and made do with the resources he had.

Oleen was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many callings including Bishop, Scout Leader, High Councilor, and temple ordinance worker. If not for COVID, he would have served in the Monticello Temple until he was 90. He loved the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be remembered by all for his generosity, kindness, and charity. He led a life of faith and service to others, setting an example for many.

Oleen and Clara Mae were incredibly supportive of their posterity and extended family, often traveling great distances to attend special events for their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. They rarely missed a baby blessing, baptism, graduation, wedding, missionary farewell or missionary return.

Oleen loved family history and genealogy. He spent numerous hours transcribing letters, journals, and day books to compile a complete family history, all without the aid of a computer.

Oleen loved Monticello and San Juan County. He loved the beauty of the land and took advantage of fishing, hiking through red rocks, sagebrush, and scrub oak, and driving up the mountain with Clara Mae to count deer and watch the moon rise.

Oleen and Clara Mae are grateful for the love, service, and friendship the community provided. Every family prayer mentioned the gratitude they felt for their good friends and neighbors. The Doyle Rowley family held a special place in their hearts. Doyle and Oleen were lifelong friends. Doyle was the best man at their reception.

The family also wishes to express thanks to the medical staff and for the hospice care provided to Dad, especially during the last days of his life.

Oleen is survived by his wife, Clara Mae, his children and their spouses, Marjorie Dobson, Charlene Gray (Douglas), Richard Hatch (Keri), Robert Hatch, Karen Budd (Eric), and Joyce McPhie (Marty). He is also survived by one sister, Helen Lake, and by 19 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren (with one on the way), and one great-great grandchild, along with several bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is now reunited with his parents, seven siblings, and a special infant daughter, Elaine.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Monticello 2nd Ward North Chapel, 347 North 200 West, Monticello, Utah at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service. Interment will be at Monticello City Cemetery. Broadcasting of the service can be watched at sanjuanmortuary.com or Funerals (streamutah.live).