Judith “Judy” Checketts Hatch passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughters, on the morning of December 9, 2025. Born to Clyde and Edith Checketts, Judy was the oldest of five siblings. She adored her family and spoke of each one of them with deep love and pride.
Judy met her husband, James Hatch, while attending Weber State University. Their first date was playing poker and sharing a McDonald’s cheeseburger. Together, they built a life full of devotion, friendship, and love. They were married for time and eternity on September 18, 1968, in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Judy spent cherished time in Geneva, Idaho, on the Hatch family ranch before settling in Evanston, Wyoming—a place she would call home for nearly 50 years. It was there they raised their four children. She spent much of her life in Evanston attending basketball, football, and soccer games, as well as choir concerts and any event her children or grandchildren participated in. Judy herself was a vibrant part of Evanston life. She spent many years directing community productions as well as “Hats Off to Broadway,” in which she always felt that the participants, year after year, became part of her family.
A true disciple of Jesus Christ, she was a lifelong, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Judy served with humility, steadiness, and a sincere desire to lift others. Her faith shaped her daily actions and enriched the lives of countless people.
Judy had a deep love for musical theater, Christmas, and all things festive. Her beautifully decorated Christmas tree, her stash of chocolate-covered cinnamon bears, her joy in carving pumpkins, dyeing eggs, and lighting fireworks brought happiness to her and those around her. She created magic in every holiday.
Judy’s life was a tapestry of service, family, creativity, faith, and joy. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Judy is survived by her husband, James Hatch; her children, Jenny (Mikal) Welling, Jared (Angie) Hatch, Jason Hatch, and Jill (David) Revelli; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three siblings: David (Deborah) Checketts; sister-in-law Lisa Checketts Royal; Janis (Stanford-ly-Bob) Madsen and Daniel (Ginny) Checketts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Edith Checketts; Alvin and Charmain Hatch; her son, Justin Hatch; her brother, Larry Checketts; and her grandson, Jamedon Welling.
A viewing will be held in her honor on Friday, December 12, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 201 Sage Street, and again on Saturday, December 13, from 10:00–10:45 a.m.
Her funeral will follow on Saturday, December 13, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.
Interment will take place at Evanston City Cemetery
We would like to thank Rocky Mountain Care and their incredible nurses and staff that took such good care of her.
