Bonnie Jean (Hatch) Smith (1945-2006)

SMITH, HATCH, OLSEN, MYERS

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 10/11/2006 at 08:28:20

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Tuesday, October 10, 2006.

Bonnie Jean (Hatch) Smith
Jan. 22, 1945-Oct. 8, 2006
Bonnie Jean (Hatch) Smith, born Jan. 22, 1945, journeyed to her eternal home on Oct. 8, 2006. She was the beloved wife of Roger A. Smith, who joined their lives together on Dec. 31, 1983. She won a spirited battle with cancer, wearing His armor and standing her ground against all odds until our Lord Jesus called her home for healing.

Bonnie Jean was the daughter of Herbert Roy and Miriam Marie (Olsen) Hatch. She is survived by her husband, confidant and best friend, Roger; her adored children, Emily Marie (a senior at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois) and Matthew Paul William (a freshman at John Brown University, Siloam Springs, Arkansas); her brothers, Larry Olsen Hatch and his wife, Carolyn (Bowling Green, Ohio), David Herbert Hatch and his wife, Therese (Green Bay, Wisconsin); her late brother's wife, Julie (Hatch) Myers (Newport, Oregon); her father's second wife, Violet Hatch (Ames); nieces, nephews, many family members, along with scores of best friends.

She was welcomed with warm and embracing arms to her Heavenly home by her parents, Herbert and Miriam Hatch, and her brother, James David Hatch.

Graduating from Ames High School in 1963, Bonnie Jean then attended the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1967. From 1967 through 1983, her love for life gently poured into the hearts and minds of kindergartners in both Cedar Rapids and West Allis, Wisconsin. For the past 23 years, she substituted in the Ames schools but primarily found joy as a loving wife and mother.

Bonnie Jean enthusiastically embraced every adventure of her life's journey, including multiple round-the-world travels; hiking, skiing, biking, sewing, capturing life through the lens of a camera, theatre, camping, quilting, baking, crafts, gardening, care-giving to loved ones during their time of illness, weaving and making pottery, Bible studies and so much more.

Beyond these varied interests and pursuits, she was playful and imaginative, casting her net of influence to all who had the joy of walking into her existence. Bonnie Jean deeply touched all those who came to know her over the 61 years of her life. If this life were a garden, she sought to grow every seed, smell every flower and share those seeds of joy with one and all. The longest parade of words would fall short of describing Bonnie's persona of kindness, courage and compassion. If you knew her, you have been touched forever.

Her love for Christ and the life He gives will continue through the passion of her family and close friends. Bonnie Jean lived for the adventure of life with the Good Shepherd and would invite you to do the same.

Recently, Bonnie Jean shared that she had a dream where the Lord clearly proclaimed to her, "Bonnie, expect the best!" Those expectations have been met at Heaven's gate.

Immeasurable gratitude goes to the many friends who have blessed this family with every variety of support, and especially to Bonnie Jean's sister-like companion, Ila Jean Rock, for her care and unconditional love. Bless your toes, Ila, and everywhere they go!

The family welcomes your visit from 5 to 8 tonight at First Evangelical Free Church of Ames. The coronation service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. Come expecting the best!

A memorial has been established at First Evangelical Free Church of Ames. Flowers may be sent to First Evangelical Free Church of Ames.

Adams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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