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Ellen Kendall Hatcher, 62, of Ona, WV, passed into glory peacefully Monday evening, June 22, 2015, at St. Mary’s Medical Center with her son Jimmy holding her hand. After a 32-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, she took her first steps in 19 years, right into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ. She was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, and Oma to her grandchildren. Born March 31, 1953, in Huntington, she is survived by her husband Steve R. Hatcher of Ona, W.Va, with whom she celebrated her 41st wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 21. She is also survived by her children, Rachel Luther (Bobby) of Ona, W.Va, Jimmy Hatcher of Huntington, W.Va. and Katrina Sillaman (Josh) of Glen Burnie, MD, and her grandchildren, Anneliese Luther, and Malachi, Gideon, and Obadiah Sillaman, her brother Richard Kendall (Mindy) of Buffalo, WY, her sister Diana McCarty (Bernard), of Nashville, TN, her sister-in-law, Carla Kendall Williams (Don), of St. Augustine, many nieces and nephews, and her caregiver and friend Kim Perdue. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Kendall, and her brother Don Kendall. Ellen graduated from Huntington East High School in 1971 and attended Marshall University. A member of Lewis Memorial Baptist Church for 35 years, she served as the church secretary there for many years before being forced to retire due to her illness. She was an author of books, poems, and songs, a gifted pianist and singer. A great pillar of faith, serving over a decade as youth director with Steve at Lewis Memorial, she left a lasting impact on countless lives. She often posted her favorite verses of Scripture during her many times of reading through the Bible in 90 days, touching those who needed to hear His word. She loved the Bible, cardinals, and I Love Lucy. She was always striving to learn new things, loved to travel, and always laughed. She will be sorely missed. Her legacy continues through her family and friends, and we rejoice in knowing she is free in Heaven. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at Henson & Kitchen Mortuary, Barboursville, W.Va. conducted by Ellen’s son-in-law, Rev. Josh Sillaman and Dr. David Lemming. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time on Thursday at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis by donating to the MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org/donate. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hensonmortuary.com .

Tributes

Ellen Kendall Hatcher

March 31, 1953 - June 25, 2015