Verla Mae Nelson Hatch, age 86, passed away June 20, 2023, from natural causes incident to age.

Verla was born in Fremont, UT September 5, 1936 to Melda Taylor Nelson and Alfred Frank Nelson. She loved growing up on the family farm surrounded by extended family. She was involved in many extra-curricular activities. Verla married O Rell Guy Hatch July 28, 1956 in her home in Fremont. Later they were sealed in the Manti Utah Temple, December 14, 1963. They lived most of their lives in Spanish Fork, Utah, where they raised their five children: Stephanie, Sheldon, Leslie, Lisa, and Andrea.

Verla was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which gave her many opportunities to serve people of all ages. She worked as a cook and then manager of the bakery at Brigham Young University’s Canon Center for many years.

After the passing of her first husband, Verla married Carnell Hatch, and they made their home in Richfield, UT. They were able to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serve in the Manti Temple. After Carnell’s death in 2019, Verla moved to Orem, Utah to be closer to her daughters. She loved spending time with family and regularly attending the temples in Utah county.

Wherever she lived, Verla made friends and was well liked.  Many many people were the recipients of her homemade bread. She continued to bake bread, twelve loaves in a batch, until a few months before her death. She has left a legacy of love and service.

Verla is survived by three daughters: Leslie (Chris) Hixson, Lisa (Ross) Critchfield, and Andrea (Mark) Albee; Step-daughter, Marsha Thurston; Nineteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren, with two more to be born this year.

Preceding her in death are her parents, both spouses, siblings: Garth Nelson, DeVon Nelson, Norma Simmons and Faun Astle; two children: Stephanie and Sheldon, and two grandchildren: Anthony Critchfield and Lauren Bengochea.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10am. They will begin with dedication of the grave and interment at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, located at 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, UT.  Following the burial, the funeral program will be held at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salem 12th ward building, located at 160 South 460 West, Salem, Utah.

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