Dorthy "Dottie" Ann Hatch Hansen

Dorthy “Dottie” Ann Hatch Hansen, 83 of St. Johns, passed away Friday, October 19, 2018. Dottie was born on February 26, 1935 to Sterling Grant Hatch and Ann Eliza Randall in Pinedale, Arizona and was the third of four children. She lived in several different places as her parents moved around teaching school. Most of her formative years were spent in Joseph City where she attended elementary and middle school. She later went on to graduate from High School in Holbrook.

Always a hard worker she had a few noteworthy jobs along the historic Route 66 including working at the Wigwam Hotel and the Jack Rabbit Trading Post. A fun story that she would like to tell was when she would gather small snakes and other curiosities to sell them to the trading post for spending money.

After graduating from high school, she said goodbye to her classmate and sweetheart John Kendall Hansen as he left to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return they married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on November 29, 1957. Dottie had earned her beautician’s license which allowed her to help support the family as Kendall attended college at Arizona State University and law school at the University of Arizona. While living in Tucson they welcomed their first three children into the family. Jon Kirk, Krisia Ann and Kent Sterling. After Kendall completed his education the family moved back to Joseph City where Todd Kendall was added to the family. In 1966 they moved to St Johns where Kendall had accepted a position as the Apache County Attorney. They purchased their first home and Dottie setup house and supported Kendall as a stay at home mother and at times secretary, when he opened his private law practice.

After moving to St Johns, Kelyn Grant, Davin Kraig and Kamia Sue joined the family. With many young children and a large family she was busy but found time to serve in various church callings in the LDS church. In 1978 Michael Kristian was born and was the baby of now eight children. In 1986 after all the kids were in school, Dottie worked at the Apache County Recorder’s Office and later the Assessor’s Office. She made friends with many of the people she served and worked with and retired in 1999 to care for her mother until her passing.

Dottie and Kendall eventually opened their home to the state foster care system where they welcomed and cared for many youth and children over the years. One child they couldn’t let go of and later adopted, Kianna Belle, bringing the family total to nine children. Over the years many found a place of refuge in their home.

Dottie enjoyed many of the simple pleasures in life. She loved books and had an extensive collection. She liked to read and re-read her favorites especially by a warm fire. She loved all things stationery and was meticulous at keeping track of children and grandchildren’s birth dates. She loved animals and the family always had pets of some kind. She worked alongside Kendall in the yard and enjoyed fresh vegetables from the garden all summer long. Dottie was a good listener and accepted and welcomed all who came into her life. She had many good friends and family that will miss her.

Dottie is survived by son, Jon Kirk Hansen, daughter, Krisia Jackson, son, Kent (Jennifer) Hansen, son, Todd (Ember) Hansen, son, Davin (Tracy) Hansen, daughter, Kamia Vaughn, son, Michael (Kristen) Hansen, daughter, Belle Hansen, 38 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Douglas Hatch.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Sheridan and Bruce Hatch, spouse, Kendall of 60 years and son, Kelyn “Chief” Hansen.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Downtown Chapel, with visitation one hour prior. Dottie will be laid to rest at the St. Johns Cemetery immediately following the funeral services.