Ruth H. Hatcher, 97, passed peacefully June 30, 2016 at Methodist Hospice Residence. She was born on November 11, 1918 in Tippah County, Mississippi to Jake and Lillian Heavener. She was a retired teacher of 38 years in Tippah and DeSoto County schools and was a member of Carriage Hills Baptist Church. Mrs. Hatcher was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband, Elton Hatcher, her sister, Nylene Robinson, son, Jay Hatcher, granddaughter, Lindsay Russell Sharp, great-granddaughter, Caroline Grace Sharp, and son-in-law, Andy Tapper. She is survived by three daughters, Lynda Tapper (Andy), Mary Jo Russell (Dan), and Debbie Gallagher (Glen). As Nanny, she leaves five grandchildren, Jason Hatcher (Shannon), Christopher Tapper, Justin Russell, Ashley Tapper Wilbourn (Adam), and Kelsey Gallagher; three great-grandchildren: J.J. Hatcher, Destiny Hatcher, and Jacob Hatcher. She also leaves two step-grandchildren, Phillip Lepard and Amanda Dowen. Mrs. Hatcher enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, reading, baking her delicious tea cakes, and playing games with her grandchildren. She also treasured the many children she had the privilege to teach. Memorials can be sent to Carriage Hills Church Library in Southaven, Mississippi or Methodist Hospice Residence in Memphis, Tennessee. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Forest Hill South with service immediately following. Burial will be in Forest South Cemetery. There will be a reception following also at the funeral home.

Forest Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, South
(901) 346-3250