Ruth Hatch passed away quietly at her home in the company of her daughters on February 17, 2026. She was 96.

Ruth was born January 2, 1930, at her family home in Rives Junction, Michigan. She was the eighth of twelve children born to Alvin and Anna Monroe.

After graduating from High School, she attended the Watchtower Bible School in New York and served as a Missionary in Brazil. Returning to the States in 1953, she married Marshall Hatch. They moved to Poulsbo in 1956. She was a devoted and loving mother to her 4 children, Wanda, Bryan, Calla, and Vanessa.

Starting a new business in 1958, Marshall and Ruth owned and operated Peninsula Tree Service. For many years, Ruth worked with her husband as one of his ground crew, along with their son-in-law, Rick. Today, her grandson, Ryan, has followed in their footsteps and owns Kitsap Peninsula Tree Service. So far 4 generations have been working in this industry, as Ruth’s great-grandson, Karson, is now working with his dad in the family business.

Ruth was an active member of the Poulsbo Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 70 years. She loved reading her Bible, and her love for people moved her to regularly volunteer her time to share its message within her community. Her faith and the congregation supported her through the loss of her dear son, Bryan, at age 7, and the passing of her husband, Marshall, in 2011, just 2 months after celebrating their 58 years of marriage.

Ruth loved to garden and enjoyed vacationing with family and friends. A newfound love was welcoming her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In September, she was looking forward to welcoming her first great, great-grandchild, a baby girl.

Ruth will be deeply missed and her memory will be cherished by her daughters, Wanda (Paul) Tyson, Calla (Rick) Walsh, Vanessa (David) Riggs; sisters, Alice Reed & Evelyn LoCurto; grandchildren, Ryan (Amber) Walsh, Jase Nations, Teena (Mark) Boelter, Michael Walsh; great grandchildren, Karson (Emma), Ava, Townsyn, Talon, Remi & Ridge Walsh. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Leland, Elmer, Ivan, Dean & Peter, and her sisters, Irene, Esther, Doris, and Bessie.

A Memorial Service will be held on April 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Poulsbo Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 4861 Lincoln Rd NE, Poulsbo, WA. All are welcome to attend.