Barbara Paulson Durham Hatch, 89, died peacefully January 8, 2015 with the same faith and cheerful optimism that have characterized her life.
Born Sept. 30, 1925 to George Melvin "Mark" and Zora Maria Colton Paulson, the younger sister of twin brother Boyd, with whom she shared a lifelong bond. When Boyd bumped his age up two years to enlist in the military, Barbara joked that she was the only one she knew who was two years younger than her twin brother. She graduated from East High School, attended Utah State University, joining Alpha Chi Omega sorority; transferred to the University of Utah; joined Lambda Delta Sigma in addition to Alpha Chi Omega and was elected Student Body Vice President, graduating June of 1946.
In 1945 she was lined up with Wayne C. Durham, a handsome sailor home on leave for his brother's funeral at the end of World War II. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple Aug. 21,1946. They moved to Chicago where Wayne received his law degree from Northwestern University and then returned to Salt Lake City to practice law. They were parents of nine children, five of whom were born after Wayne was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Wayne and Barbara inspired many with their optimism and refusal to become discouraged as his disease progressed. They were grateful to friends and family who did all they could to ease the burden of Wayne's disease. Barbara—always unaware of her own saintliness—served Wayne until his death Sept. 18, 1980, after 34 years of marriage. Wayne and Barbara drew strength from each other and from associations with dear friends such as those in Dinner Set, Monumets, and various study groups.
When Wayne could no longer work, Barbara operated a pre-school in her home and sold wedding invitations. Wayne's handicap van doubled as a bus for field trips to parks, zoos and wedding business errands. She nurtured the children with educational activities, patience, and most of all, with an instinctive love for children that made her a truly remarkable teacher.
Barbara married David S. Hatch June 5, 1982, and they began a loving partnership that lasted 28 years. Barbara and David served a mission as directors of the Washington D.C. Visitors Center and later opened their home to groups large and small as coordinators of the LDS Church U of U International Student Friendship Program (1990-2006). David died Oct. 26, 2010.
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barbara served in many capacities, including as a member of the Relief Society General Board under Barbara Smith and Barbara Winder, as a temple ordinance worker (1996-2010), and as director and trainer of hostesses at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Her favorite calling was always her current calling, and she loved those she worked with and those she served.
Barbara loved chocolate, anything red and Vitamin C, but the greatest love of her life was her family. She surrounded herself with pictures of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was happiest when they came to visit. Her family gratefully acknowledges the legacy of faith, strength and selfless service, which she leaves behind. Even as her health declined in recent months, she has remained cheerful and optimistic, spreading joy to everyone who came her way.
The family would like to thank the caregivers who lovingly took care of Barbara during the past four years.
Survivors include Durham sons and daughters: Cole (Louise), David (Rosemary) Lee, Mark (Mary), Paul (Maren), Janet (Kelly) Tate, Janie (Dennis) Reese, Nancy (Mark) Gasser, Marge (Scott) Sorensen, and Rick (Christena). The Hatch children: Madelyn (Dennis) Johnson, Paul (Jackie), Steve (Judy), Sue (Norm) Watkins, Amy (Scott) Trussell, and Jim (Janet); brother-in-law Reed Price, sister-in-law Joyce D. Larsen, and adopted family members Sylvia McAleavy, J.J. and Sherry Chen; 48 grandchildren and 84 great-grandchildren; 25 Hatch grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews whom she loved; pre-deceased by husbands Wayne C. Durham and David S. Hatch, daughter Marilyn Durham Lee, son-in-law Rich Winters; sister Marjorie Price and brothers and sisters-in-law Boyd (Barb) and George (Sharee) Paulson.
Funeral will be Tuesday, Jan. 13, 11:00 a.m. at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 S. Wasatch Drive. Friends may call Monday 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E.1300 South and Tuesday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
