Mrs. Ruth Elizabeth Hatcher, age 90, departed this earthly life and entered into the eternal promises of her precious Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday morning, July 2, 2026, as she peacefully entered her Heavenly Home while surrounded by the loving care of the staff at Tippah County Nursing Home.
Funeral services honoring Mrs. Elizabeth’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at her beloved church, Dumas Baptist Church, with Bro. Scott Hudson reading the obituary, Bro. Chris Shinall bringing the message, and Bro. Doc Shelton offering the closing prayer. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM at the church. Mrs. Elizabeth will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Dumas Cemetery. There will be no graveside service.
Born on September 14, 1935, in Union County, Mississippi, Mrs. Elizabeth was the daughter of the late James William “Jim” Hall and Lillian Hill Hall. She began her education at Dumas School before attending Pine Grove High School, where she studied bookkeeping. A woman of remarkable work ethic, Mrs. Elizabeth faithfully devoted her life to caring for the family she loved so deeply, especially her beloved husband, Mr. Joseph Carson Hatcher, and the children she so lovingly raised. In her younger years, she worked at Blue Bell Shoe Factory before later working at the Monument Yard in Ripley. She eventually retired as a clerk with the Tippah County Courthouse after many years of dedicated service.
A faithful Christian woman, Mrs. Elizabeth was a devoted member of Dumas Baptist Church for many years and attended faithfully as long as her health allowed. She dearly loved her church and was always willing to serve wherever she was needed, especially through Sunday School and the church’s annual Vacation Bible School. Beyond her church ministry, the Lord blessed her with gifted hands. She enjoyed cross-stitching, sewing, and especially quilting. She loved spending time outdoors tending to her flowers, fishing, and making memories with those she loved most.
Nothing brought Mrs. Elizabeth greater joy than having her family gathered around her table. Sunday lunches were especially treasured occasions. She would prepare a table overflowing with food, bake stacks of cornbread, and personally call each of her children to make sure they were coming. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love. That was simply who she was—faithful, loving, generous, and always putting others before herself.
As her health declined and her battle with Alzheimer’s disease progressed, Mrs. Elizabeth’s faith never wavered. Though she endured the hardships of this cruel disease, suffered two major strokes, and experienced many difficult days of confusion, she fought her battle with remarkable grace and perseverance. Even through it all, she never lost her faith in the Lord she had faithfully loved and served throughout her life. On one occasion, when a minister visited her room to speak with her about salvation, Mrs. Elizabeth gently smiled and replied, “I don’t need to talk about Jesus, because I know Him so well.” Those simple words beautifully reflected the steadfast faith that carried her throughout her life.
While her family will miss her presence beyond measure, they find immeasurable comfort in knowing exactly where she is today—forever healed, forever made whole, and forever at peace in the loving arms of her precious Savior, Jesus Christ.
Those left to cherish her precious memory include her daughter, Peggy Smith (Kenneth); her sons, Walter Hatcher (Ginger), James Gregory Hatcher (Linda), Chad Allan Hatcher, Joseph Leon Hatcher (Patricia), Bob Russell (Kim), Terry Brumley (Kim), and Gary Comans (Brenda); a special son-in-law, Randy Stewart; a large host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and the compassionate staff of Tippah County Nursing Home, who became like family over the past several years. The family can never fully express how grateful they are for the love and care shown to Mrs. Elizabeth during her time there.
In addition to her beloved husband and parents, Mrs. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her daughter, Paula Stewart, and her brothers, Roger Hall, Robert “Bob” Hall, and James Luther “Luke” Hall.
Ripley Funeral Home invites family and friends to share cherished memories and condolences with Mrs. Elizabeth’s family.
