Rhonda Reasch Hatch, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend, passed away in Evanston, on Monday, Aug. 17, surrounded by her loved ones, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Rhonda was born on February 26, 1957, in Gillette, to Rex and LaNeil Reasch. She grew up with a love of learning and a desire to serve others that would shape the course of her life.
She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Elementary Education and began her teaching career in Sinclair.
She later joined Uinta County School District #1, where she devoted 39 years teaching first grade at both Clark and Uinta Meadows elementaries.
She touched the lives of countless children and families throughout her career. She had an extraordinary gift for teaching, and her classroom was always filled with laughter, joy, encouragement and a genuine love of learning.
She had a special gift for making every child feel seen and celebrated — she could even turn a missing tooth into an exciting event. It was often said that Rhonda could “teach a rock to read,” a testament to her extraordinary patience, talent and unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
She dearly loved her first graders, and they loved her in return.
Rhonda was deeply loved and respected by her colleagues, who admired her joyful spirit, unwavering dedication, and remarkable gift for teaching. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom and into the hearts of fellow educators, students and families alike.
A proud University of Wyoming graduate, Rhonda remained a devoted Wyoming Cowboys fan throughout her life. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Cowboys and enjoyed sharing that enthusiasm with family and friends.
On Aug. 29, 1981, Rhonda married the love of her life, Brent Hatch, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and service.
In 1987, we were blessed with our daughter, Laura, and she is the joy of our lives. Each Sunday, Rhonda made sure Laura had frilly dresses with matching shoes, socks and a bow glued to her head with Cairo syrup.
Laura has been an exceptional, unwavering help and support to her parents during these last few years.
A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rhonda served in many leadership callings throughout her life. Her service included Young Women President, Ward Relief President, and Stake Relief Society President.
She was always looking for opportunities to serve others, whether through an official calling or a quiet act of kindness. Her compassion, strong testimony, and Christian example blessed countless lives.
Rhonda found her greatest joy in her family.
She is survived by her husband, Brent Hatch; her daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Josh Sulser; her three beloved grandchildren, Ryker, Kara and Paxton Sulser; her sister, Joleen Zimmer (Mike) of Vernal, Utah; her brother, Lawrence Rex Reasch (Bobbi) of Sandy, Utah; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and LaNeil Reasch; her sisters, Cara Reasch and Suzan Desatelle; and nephew, Josh Cottrel.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who visited, offered prayers, and provided support during Rhonda’s illness.
Special thanks are given to the compassionate staff ay Rocky Mountain Care Center for their exceptional care, kindness and love.
Rhonda’s legacy lives on in generations of students she inspired, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she blessed through her faith, kindness and service. She taught children to read, celebrated every milestone-big or small-and quietly made the world a better place through a lifetime of selfless love.
More importantly, she was an example of faith, compassion and Christlike service to all who had the blessing of associating with her.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and joyfully remembered by all whose lives she touched.
Services will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 632 Twin Ridge Ave., Evanston, at 11 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 22. Viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at the church, and 9-10:45 a.m., prior to the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at donorservices.alz.org.
