Carol Jean Hatfield

Carol Jean Hatfield, 90, of Red Bluff, CA, passed away quietly and peacefully on October 2, 2024. Born on October 8, 1933, at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington D.C., Carol Jean was the daughter of Sgt. Myron E and Dorothy Howe. Raised as a military "brat," living in several military communities across the country, Carol Jean learned early the importance of discipline. hard work, faith, and taking care of people.

After graduating from Grant Union High School in Del Paso Heights in 1951, Carol followed her passion for helping others and began the journey of earning her nursing degree. However, in 1953, her plans were detoured by the young enlisted Royce Hatfield. The two married, and Carol gave birth to two children before finally graduating and passing the California State Boards in November of 1958 as a Registered Nurse. That same month, the couple began their life together in Red Bluff, CA, and eventually added two more children to the family.

Carol Jean served over 35 years as a Registered Nurse, caring for and touching the lives of countless patients and families at Tehama General Hospital, St. Elizabeth Community Hospital, and Home Health. One of her notable career accomplishments was continuing her training and education in coronary care, eventually bringing her knowledge and dedication to her role as the head nurse of the ICU at St. Elizabeth's. Later in her career, she found great fulfilment in Home Health, providing compassionate, comforting care and words of strength to many in their times of need.

Carol Jean was known for her faith, strong spirit, quick-witted sense of humor, hearty laugh, generous nature, loyalty, and dedication by many in the community. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, since May of 1989, Carol Jean had a strong belief and hope for a future resurrection and life in a paradise on earth.

Carol Jean leaves behind her four children: Barbara (James) McMahan-Adams, Buddy/Royce (Connie) Hatfield, Charles Hatfield and R. Scott (Tanya) Hatfield; seven grandchildren: Jennifer McMahan, Justine McMahan, Shannon Hatfield, Jason Hatfield, Amy (Hatfield) Miller, William Hatfield and Sarah Hatfield; and three great-grandchildren: Camille Peters, Allie Adams, and Morgan Miller. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Susan Howe and her children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband Royce, and her brother, Myron E. Howe III.

The family would like to acknowledge and express our deep gratitude to Cynthia Rios Gutierrez, Kathryn Parsons, Kyra Fleming and Janie Craig for their dedication and compassion assisting us with the 24/7 care Carol Jean required these past five years. Also, appreciation to RBHC for the support, kindness and care they provided these last several months.

As per Carol Jean's wishes, there will be no services. Immediate family will gather together privately. The internment of Carol Jean's ashes will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.