Romona Pauline Hatcher

Romona Pauline Hatcher, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, surrounded by her children.

Born on November 30, 1944, in Kentfield, California, to David and Pauline Tupman, Romona entered the world with a gentle spirit and a heart full of compassion. After her birth, her family moved to Gainesville, Texas, where she grew up, graduated, and met and married her high school sweetheart, Ben Hatcher. Together they welcomed three children, Todd, Holli, and Chad. The family later moved from Gainesville to Mesquite, Texas, then to Galveston, Texas, before eventually returning to Gainesville, where she lived until she gained her angel wings.

She loved Gainesville deeply, its history, its stories, and the importance of preserving the community she held so close to her heart. She lived a life grounded in kindness, generosity, and quiet strength, qualities most profoundly revealed in her extraordinary resilience. She beat cancer with grace and determination, meeting each challenge with a steady courage that inspired everyone around her. Later, when faced with the lasting effects of a severe stroke, she continued to show that same unwavering spirit. Even in difficult moments, she carried herself with dignity, patience, and an inner resolve that reminded her family of her remarkable strength. She devoted herself to her family and always providing comfort, guidance, and a steady presence that made those around her feel safe and cherished.

Her love for all of God’s creatures was evident in everything she did. This compassion guided her actions throughout her life.

Romona was known for her remarkable ability to bring people together. She carried herself with a natural grace that made a lasting impression on everyone she met. It was no surprise that when people spoke of her, they so often chose the same word: classy. Whether through her warm conversations, her thoughtful style, or the way she treated others, Romona embodied elegance in both character and spirit. Throughout her life, Romona pursued her passions with joy and creativity. She loved antiquing, discovering beauty and history in the pieces she found. Her gift for decorating made every room and every gathering feel warm and inviting. She especially enjoyed decorating a table for Tabletops for Missions, an event that allowed her to blend her artistic eye with her love for supporting meaningful causes. She delighted in selecting themes, colors, and details that reflected her personality and brought joy to others.

She enjoyed traveling, embracing new places and experiences with curiosity and enthusiasm. Romona also believed deeply in giving back, dedicating countless hours to volunteering and serving her community. Her compassion extended especially to animals. She rescued many dogs over the years, each one finding safety, love, and a home with her. Her beloved dog Maggie Mae, one of her dearest rescues, remained faithfully by her side and was with her when she passed, an enduring symbol of the love Romona so freely gave. Most recently, she also rescued another dog, Tyson, who quickly became a faithful companion. Romona’s commitment to animal welfare also led her to play an instrumental role in the development and fundraising efforts for Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, helping create a safe haven for countless animals and a vital resource for the community. Above all, Romona, or “Monie” as her grandchildren called her, cherished family. It was within her family that all the qualities she lived by, kindness, resilience, grace, and compassion, were most beautifully expressed and lovingly passed on. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She poured her heart into nurturing each generation, and her legacy will live on through the love, strength, and values she instilled.

Romona is survived by her children: her son Todd Hatcher, her daughter Holli West (Greg), and her son Chad Hatcher (Laura). She leaves behind three cherished grandchildren, Whitney Swinford (Tanner), Mackenzie Knight (Morgan), and Celie Hatcher, as well as four beloved great-grandchildren: Knox Swinford, Slade Swinford, Tilden Knight, and Lainey Knight. She is preceded in death by her husband Ben Hatcher, her mother Pauline Tupman, her father David Tupman, and her brother Gene Tupman. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her influence remains, quiet, steady, and everlasting.

Our family will be forever grateful for the dedicated and gracious care Romona received from Debra, Rudi, Melissa, and Ginger, whose compassion brought comfort during her final journey.

A celebration of Romona’s life will be held on November 22, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Gainesville. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., immediately followed by the funeral at 2:00 p.m. In honor of her giving spirit, the family welcomes donations to Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in her name. Romona Pauline Hatcher will be remembered for her class, her warmth, her generosity, and the extraordinary love she brought into the world.