Golda Irene Hatfield

Golda Irene Hatfield, 91, of Edmond, OK, was received by our Lord on January 16, 2014 and reunited with the love of her life of 65 years, Leroy, who passed away on December 18, 2013. She was born November 30, 1922 in Marengo, IN. On June 24, 1922, she was adopted by her uncle and aunt, Wilson and Rosie Huff of Oklahoma City. While living with older parents meant strict house rules for Golda, her independent spirit showed up when she engaged in various gymnastic activities which included “walking on her hands” almost everywhere she went. (She was still amazing us with her agility just two weeks before her death.) After graduating from Classen High School, Golda went to work for T G & Y stores in 1942 as a Department Manager. In 1944, she became a sportswear buyer for John A. Brown department store and was on her way to becoming a successful career woman. On June 5, 1948, though, her world changed when she did a favor for her best friend, Patricia Duffy. Pat needed transportation for her date that night; Pat’s boyfriend, Don Hatfield, did not have driving privileges but his brother Leroy did. This blind date turned into a whirlwind romance and on August 24, she and Leroy were married in a secret church service. After a short honeymoon in Tulsa, Leroy was transferred to Kansas City in 1949. He left his “pudgy little pregnant” wife in Oklahoma City for a short time but the distance did not stop their continued romance. Writing to Golda practically every day, Leroy kept her home fires burning. Their first son, David, was born on August 28, 1949. A second son, Steve, was born on March 27, 1951. Medical conditions ruled out any additional children. After moving from Kansas City to Dallas, Golda and Leroy later settled in Del City, and in 1954, they moved to the “old homestead” at 2732 NW 38th in Oklahoma City, their home for 57 years. Despite numerous physical health challenges, Golda became the ultimate wife, homemaker, chauffeur, Den Mother, family business manager, cook and mother. She loved her two sons dearly and sacrificed greatly for them. Her love did not end with her family; she showed love and compassion to many who became family to her, including many of God’s creatures. She loved Leroy with all her heart and was his constant companion through 65 years of joy and sorrow, riches and poverty, health and illness. Golda faithfully supported Leroy’s ministry of 59 years in the Community of Christ, while she also humbly served in various capacities. She and Leroy were youth leaders for 6 years, providing lasting ministry to many teenagers. For almost 10 years, Golda joined other church women each September preparing and cooking red beans and rice for their food booth at the Oklahoma State Fair. In July of 2011, Leroy and Golda moved from the “old homestead” to Copper Lake Estates independent living in Edmond. They quickly gained friends among the staff and other residents, where she was able to share her numerous stories with new audiences. When Leroy’s health grew worse, they moved into the Copper Lake assisted living facility in October, 2013. Her devotion to Leroy was evident as she continued to care for him until his death and the subsequent memorial service held on January 11. At the conclusion of his memorial service, she suddenly became ill and her condition rapidly deteriorated. Five days later, our hearts were broken again as heaven got another angel. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the love and generosity extended to Golda and Leroy by their friends and staff at Copper Lake Estates, as well as the staff of Crossroads Hospice. Golda is survived by two sons, David and wife Denise of Edmond and Steve and wife Joy of Tulsa; four grandchildren, Paul Hatfield and wife Cori of Ft Worth, Jason Hatfield and wife Kyra of Mustang, Jill Allen and husband Jonathan of Independence, Missouri, Tiffany Mather and husband Bobby of Edmond. She is survived by six great grandchildren, Aubrey and Jared Hatfield of Ft. Worth, Dayton and Allie Mather of Edmond, Skylee and Saizlee Hatfield of Mustang, and many nephews and nieces who will miss her sweet, loving spirit and gracious hospitality. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Community of Christ at www.cofchrist.org with a designation to Abolish Poverty and End Suffering; contributions may also be made to the American Heart Association. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Heartland branch of the Community of Christ, 921 S.W. 70th Street, Oklahoma City, OK. Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.