04/24/2026
Joyce Adele Hatch, 99, passed away on April,12,2026 at her home in La Grande,Oregon surrounded by her family. There will be a gathering for family and friends at the Island City Hall, May 1, 2026 @ 12:00 noon.
Joyce was born in Boise,Idaho on May 7, 1926 to Charlie and Mary Stillwell. Joyce was raised in Star, Idaho attending Fairview Grade School where she would walk to school a mile each day. As a young teenager she played the violin and provided the music for dances at the Liberty Grange in Star, Idaho. She then attending Star High School where she graduated. She then went on to attended the College of Idaho.
In her early years she worked on her parents cattle ranch on the banks of the Boise River in Star, Idaho.
She met and married Dwain Hatch on July 3 1948. She meet Dwain while attending the College of Idaho. He had come to meet and date her roommate! He proceeded her in death in 1985. To this union of marriage they raised 3 children. Charlie Hatch, Wanda Kristein Hatch and Larry Hatch.
They moved to Joseph, Oregon where they raised their family. She worked many years at the Gold Room Cafe in Joseph, Oregon. Joyce helped farm the family land raising seed potatoes where she was recognized by Simplot and Taggares Farms for quality seed potatoes. She helped with various business operations with her family and was always known as a hard worker. She was a successful business owner in her own right opening and operating “Factory Outlet Fashions” in La Grande in the 1980’s. She was an avid worldwide traveler visiting many different countries with family or friends. She was a fierce gardener. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t raise in her garden of vegetables and flowers. Joyce was once recognized for having such wonderful flower gardens. She was a member of the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary where she spent 26 years giving service which she truly enjoyed.
Joyce spent 20 years traveling and enjoying many memorable times with her partner Ron Roethler. The family grew to love Ron and he seemed like part of the family. He is very much appreciated.
Some of her hobbies were needlepoint, mushrooming and huckleberry picking with Ron, and raising beautiful flowers with Roses being her favorite flower. She was also, a fabulous cook and could sew very well.
Joyce is survived by her partner, Ron Roethler of La Grande,Oregon, sister Charlene Phillips of Star, Idaho, son Charlie Hatch of La Grande, Oregon, Daughter Wanda Kristein Hatch of La Grande, Oregon and son Larry Hatch of Union, Oregon. She is survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Charlie and Mary Stillwell , sister Laverla May, late husband, Dwain Hatch, and daughter in law Gail Hatch.
Friends and family may make donations to the Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com