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Elaine Sharon Hansen Hatch, wife of former U.S. Senator Orrin G. Hatch, passed away on May 10, 2025, at the age of 91.
Elaine was born to Sydney Hansen and Edries Nelson on September 27, 1933. The Hansen's were wheat farmers in Newton, Utah. Elaine graduated from North Cache High School in Logan, Utah. She taught elementary school after graduating from Brigham Young University (BYU). While at BYU, she met the love of her life, Orrin. They were married on August 28, 1957 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Elaine said her favorite career was being a mother. When Orrin decided to run for the U.S. Senate, Elaine, despite not wanting to move from Utah to Washington, D.C., wholeheartedly supported him and continued to do so for 42 years.
Elaine was true to her roots and wasn’t influenced by the trappings of political life. She was humble and kind. She focused on her children and served in many church leadership roles. She served in the temple weekly for 29 years and considered it her favorite place to be other than at home with family. She had a firm testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. In her many travels around the world, she was a great ambassador for her faith. Everyone who met Elaine was struck by her genuine interest in their lives. Elaine rarely talked about herself, despite the amazing life she lived. Her posterity will be blessed by the journals she kept throughout her life.
When Orrin retired in 2019, Elaine was excited to live near family again. Even after Orrin passed away on April 23, 2022, Elaine knew that he was still working on the other side. Now, Elaine and Orrin are reunited and working together. Thanks to the Resurrection, we will see them again. Orrin and Elaine had six children, Brent (Mia) Hatch, Marcia (Randy) Whetton, Scott (Wendy) Hatch, Kimberly (John) Catron, Alysa (Jamie) Whitlock, and Jess Hatch, 23 grandchildren, and 44 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). Elaine had 1 brother (Ramon Hansen) and 3 sisters (Glenna Peterson, Carma Mirabal, and Doris Crockett).
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 12 PM at the Pleasant View Chapel located at 3035 N. 1325 W., Pleasant View, Utah. A viewing will be held at the same location prior to services from 10:30 – 11:45 AM. Elaine will be buried next to her forever sweetheart in the Newton City Cemetery.
Services will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed by clicking the “Watch Services” button above.
Guestbook/Condolences
Elaine was such a joy. I’m so sorry for her passing. I know she is very happy to be reunited with her sweet husband. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
I was sad to learn of Elaine’s passing, but also happy to know she was free from some of her earthly constraints and back holding Orrin’s hand.
Having worked 28 year for Orrin was an honor, which came with the privilege of becoming friends with Elaine and benefiting from her kindness. She will be missed.
Sister Hatch was an amazing unassuming matriarch and supportive eternal companion to our wonderful Senator Hatch. She was as dignified with dignitaries as she was to her close friends. I called Elaine Utah's "Barbara Bush". Her greatest joy was her family. Like in Proverbs, her children arise up and call her blessed. I am so fortunate to have known Elaine and considered her a dear friend.
Love to the whole family ... Orrin & Elaine ... what a team ... now together again. I know he & Heavenly Father are smiling to have her back forever & ever! We are all blessed to have them, still, in our lives. With Love, Yvonne & Lee Roderick
I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I know it’s hard to loose a parent. I wish I could come. Tom has drs appointments almost every day.
I’m sure your parents are rejoicing right now. I’m glad that we believe what we do about death and reunions with family members. I love you all.
I was sad to hear of Elaine’s passing. But so happy for her to be reunited with her eternal sweetheart. What a beautiful lady. I met Elaine at “Our House” where my mother-in-law is staying as well. She always had a smile and was so kind. She would tell me she was waiting for Orrin. What a love story they had. I pray that you will feel peace and comfort knowing that your parents are reunited. May God bless your family!
I was privileged to know Elaine in the years before she returned to Utah following her husband's retirement. She was a lovely woman with a good heart who treated everyone with kindness and respect. It is a credit to her character that after 42 years in a city full of people consumed with the pursuit of power and prestige, she remained grounded and humble and truly herself. I send my condolences to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
It was a blessing to be your ministering sister. It was such a pleasure to get to know you. God bless you and may you rest in peace.
Linda Forrest
Oakton Ward
Beautiful service for a beautiful lady. So many good memories of Aunt Elaine. When I was a young mother, almost every time I saw her, your mom would give me a book to read. She knew how much I loved to read. She was a great example of what a woman should be. Much love to all of you!
From:
Your brother and sister Gutierrez,
from the Oakton ward, we will see you in Heven.
Love
The Gutierrez Family
Oakton Ward
Dear Hatch Family,
How greatly saddened I was to learn recently of the passing to Heaven of one of Earth's loveliest mortal angels, dear Elaine Hatch.
A lady of great goodness and graciousness, how grateful I will always be for the gift of knowing her and calling her my friend and sister in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sending my love and sympathy to all of her dear family, Terri Fisher Jensen