Obituary of Harriet Meldene Hatch Johnston

Harriet Meldene Hatch Johnston lived a full life spanning nearly 94 years. She entered this life, at home, in George, Iowa on January 18, 1919 and peacefully left this life, at home, on the morning of November 27th, 2012. Harriet was the only child of Pansy Delta and Harry Charles Hatch. She completed her education through senior high school in her hometown, of George Iowa before heading to her dad’s alma mater, Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. While at Iowa State, she pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development. Harriet began her professional life by working in children’s homes in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Iowa. When WWII began, Harriet joined the Red Cross and headed west to California to help in the war effort. In addition to assisting returning service men and women, she enjoyed many new adventures, made many friends and traveled throughout the west When the war ended, Harriet took a job as the Dean of Women at the University of Illinois, Galesburg Campus. It was there that she met a handsome new faculty member named Robert (Bob) Johnston who was fresh out of the Air Force. After what seemed to many to be a lengthy courtship, Harriet and Bob became engaged. This news caused much joy to abound in her hometown! So much so that the editor of the weekly newspaper put out a small extra addition with the headline “Harriet Hatch Engaged to be Married!”. And married they were in the parlor of her parent’s home on December 29th, 1949. The newlyweds moved to Rockford, Illinois and in 1952 they welcomed their daughter, Linda. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Urbana, Illinois where, in 1957, they welcomed their son, Bill. By this time Harriet had assumed the role of full time wife, mother and homemaker. She was well known by the children of the neighborhood and it was assumed that after school there would be warm cookies in the Johnston kitchen. To this day, legends of the world’s finest rolls and cinnamon buns are still told by the “50-60 something” year old “kids” of this generation. Harriet was initiated into the PEO Sisterhood in 1959. In 2009 she was recognized as a 50 year member, a “Golden Girl”, and was feted many times during that year by her loving PEO sisters. Harriet and Bob were members of the First United Presbyterian Church and remained in Urbana until retirement. At that time they sought a warmer climate and moved to Florida. Initially they settled in Bradenton and then moved to Tampa where they have lived ever since. One of Harriet's greatest joys was cooking and baking for family and friends. She enjoyed reading cookbooks and experimenting with recipes. Her cakes and holiday parties remain fond and warm memories in the hearts of many. Harriet is preceded in death by her son, Bill and her parents, Pansy and Harry Hatch. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Bob; daughter Linda Johnston and her husband Mark Messingham. She also has the blessing of seven step grandchildren, their spouses and eleven and one half great grandchildren. She touched the lives of many and her kind and gentle spirit will be missed by family and friends. A memorial celebration will be held at the John Knox Village Chapel on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 2:00PM. Her final resting place will be in George, Iowa. Memorial Donations may be made to the PEO Sisterhood, Chapter IL and forwarded to Harriet's daughter, Linda Johnston.