Ruth Ida (Diefenbach) Hatch, 95, of Alliance, passed away, Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance.
She was born March 31, 1925 in Lexington, NE, to Ida (Koehn) Diefenbach and Melvin Diefenbach. She graduated from Lexington High School.
Ruth married the love of her life, Virgil Hatch, on March 3, 1946 at the United Methodist Church in Lexington, NE. They were blessed to celebrate their 74th anniversary on March 3, 2020. He survives her. Survivors also include her son, Jerry (Hing Wah), daughter Deb Thiems (Rick), grandsons, Tyler Thiems (Lindsie), and Pat Garrett (Lisa), granddaughters, Ashley Dudden(Jason), Karri (Hatch) Guthmiller, Kay Ying Hatch, Gina Rebillet, 14great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Hatch, daughter in law, Anita Hatch, her parents, her sisters, Florence Walker, Vera Hageman, Arlene Kolbo, Emogene Andrews, and brothers, John and Paul Diefenbach.
Ruth was a resident of Alliance for 58 years . She owned and operated Hatch Drug, Ruth’s Hallmark, Radio Shack, and Special Stitches with Virgil and family for 48 years.
Ruth was an active member of the Lexington and Alliance United Methodist Churches and loved her time singing in the choir. Her impact on the community of Alliance included becoming the first female president of the Alliance Chamber of Commerce, as well as, one of the original members of the Soroptimists in Alliance.
If you ever got to taste a meal prepared by Ruth, you know she loved to cook and took joy in seeing everyone finish every last bite. Her love for gardening, especially tending to her roses along with knitting or sewing gifts are passions she has passed on to her family. That was her greatest joy, her family, and the time spent with them. She always looked forward to the gatherings of everyone for birthday dinners and holidays.
A private family service will be held at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Gideon Achi officiating. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium.
Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Park Care Center, 1633 Sweetwater Avenue, or the United Methodist Church, 704 Box Butte Ave., Alliance, NE.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.