OBITUARY

Nancy Gertrude Lieber Hatfield

September 9, 1928–September 18, 2021

Nancy Gertrude Lieber Hatfield (93), long time resident of Dayton, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 18, 2021 with family by her side.

Nancy was born on September 9, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska to Earl and Emily Lieber. She was the second of four children in her family and the last living sibling. Nancy had many fond memories and stories from growing up on a farm, during the Depression, in Papillion, Neb. She had a lot of Cornhusker pride and often told friends and family she was a 'Strong Nebraska Girl!'

She attended the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) and pledged to the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She earned a degree in Music Education in 1950 which led her to a teaching opportunity at the Dayton School District teaching 1st–8th grade music for two years. During this time, she met a handsome young man who had returned home from the Navy. Nancy described Don Hatfield to her parents in a letter home as the 'lumberman's son.' It wasn't long after, the lumberman's son became her husband, and the two lived their entire, happy married life in Dayton. Don and Nancy wed on September 20, 1952. We'd like to think Nancy just wanted to make it home to see Don on their anniversary this year! City Lumber & Coal Yard was part of Nancy's life in one way or another for nearly 70 years.

Her love of music continued as the choir director at the Methodist church, and later took her talents across the street to the Baptist church. She had a beautiful voice and sang as a soloist for many weddings and funerals throughout her years in Dayton. She enjoyed teaching piano and voice students for many years in her home before and after school. We were probably the only family in town who had two pianos in the living room! If you were one of her students, you would remember this was so the duets could be played on separate pianos. She loved to conduct an annual, formal, holiday recital where there were homemade Christmas cookies and punch was served from a festive punch bowl. There is a reason we call these people the greatest generation! Nancy really was a true lady with a gentle demeanor to those around her. However, she loved robustly cheering on a good basketball game and Gonzaga was her favorite team. She adored watching and discussing the games with her sister-in-law Sharlene Steinhoff.

Nancy taught Sunday school classes, hosted Vacation Bible School in her backyard, was a Bible Study Fellowship discussion leader for five years, and attended many Bible studies over the years. She was a member of P.E.O. for over 50 years and served as an officer and committee member in several capacities. She always enjoyed the friendships she had within the club and carefully planned what to wear when they met!

Many thanks to Ranee Phillips and Kristin Loper for being wonderful caregivers to Nancy (and her dogs) in her last years in Dayton. You two helped Nancy stay in her home that Don built, and she had grown to love so much for 56 yrs.

The last three years Nancy resided in Phoenix, Ariz., at Le Marche Assisted Living near her daughter Jill's family. She enjoyed sitting out in the beautiful backyard during the amazing weather months of October, November, December, January, February, March, April.... Some of our last conversations with Nancy were her literally speaking as if she was already in heaven. Some of her final descriptive words: "Sparkly" "Beautiful" "The Music" "Worship" "Well Done" ....and last but not least, "Oh Look, There's Don Hatfield!"

Nancy and Don were devoted to their four children whom they are survived by and whom they raised to work hard, have good manners, be honest, appreciate classical music, and to have a relationship with God:

Brad Hatfield (Jody) of Dayton; Becky Jo Hale (David) of Strasburg, Colo.; Curtis Hatfield of Clarkston; Jill Holman (Rick) of Phoenix, Ariz. There are seven grandchildren who all remember her playing the piano and teaching them songs: Charlie Hatfield (Ashley), Chancie Hatfield, Hadley Hale (Stacey), Morgan Holman Farley (Andrew), Mackenzie Holman Morrison (Iain), Hannah and Hayden Holman; three great grandchildren: Gentry and Preston Hatfield, Rilee Jo Hale.

Nancy is also survived by several nephews and nieces in Nebraska and three in Dayton: Terry Steinhoff, Lynn Leseman, and the late Steve Steinhoff.

A graveside celebration of life service is being planned for June of 2022 in Dayton. Memorial contributions may be made to the P.E.O. Chapter B.J. college scholarship fund, Dayton–Waitsburg Young Life, or a charity of choice.