Christy Ruth Ann (Simon) Hatfield

Brethren, it is with a heart full of bittersweet joy that I stand before you today to celebrate the homegoing of a truly remarkable child of God, Sister Christy Ruth Ann (Simon) Hatfield. On the 24th of October, 2024, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, called her home from Topeka, Kansas, where she had been a beacon of His love and light. Born on the 26th day of April 1960 in the humble town of Hutchinson, Kansas, Christy's journey on this earth began, and what a blessed journey it was.

Sister Christy was a woman whose very existence was a testament to the power of faith. She walked through this world as a living embodiment of the love of Christ, touching lives with her warmth, her boundless optimism, and her unshakeable devotion to our Savior. Though she battled with COPD, her spirit remained as vibrant and tenacious as ever, never once allowing her physical trials to diminish her faith-filled glow.

She was preceded in her journey to glory by her beloved husband, Kem Hatfield, and her cherished son, Daniel Franks. Yet even in the face of such profound loss, Sister Christy's heart remained a wellspring of forgiveness and love. Her capacity to forgive, to see beyond the transgressions of this world, was a gift that she freely gave to all who knew her.

Christy's interests were a reflection of her loving heart and her joyful spirit. She found solace in the rhythmic dance of a bowling ball on the lanes alongside her dear mother, the delicate stitches of her sewing, and the sweet melodies of music that she often hummed, and her love of baking with family. Sister Christy was an avid writer, a graceful swimmer, and a dedicated member of her church. Her voice a soaring tribute to the Lord she so adored.

Above all, Sister Christy was known for her unwavering commitment to growing in her faith and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. She devoted countless hours to her devotions, always seeking to deepen her understanding of the Word and to lead others to the saving knowledge of the Gospel. Her neighbors knew her as "the nice lady who loved to talk about her love for God," a woman whose conversations were always seasoned with grace and an infectious excitement about the promise of Heaven.

Sister Christy's life was a melody of love and service. She yearned for the company of her loved ones, cherishing every moment spent in fellowship and laughter. Her church family held a special place in her heart, filling a void with their unwavering support and companionship.

In Christy Ruth Ann Hatfield, we saw the living, breathing embodiment of what it means to be optimistic, faith-filled, and loving. Her legacy is one of a life well-lived, a life poured out as an offering to God and to all of His children. She was a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of a forgiving heart, and a steadfast believer in the transformative love of Christ.

As we bid farewell to Sister Christy, let us not mourn as those without hope. For we know that she has taken her place among the heavenly choir, her voice now joining the eternal praise of our Lord and King. Let us celebrate her life, a life that shone brightly, a life that will continue to inspire us to walk in love, to embrace forgiveness, and to look forward with joy to the day when we shall all be reunited in the presence of our Lord.

To Christy Ruth Ann Hatfield, a faithful servant, a loving mother, a cherished friend, we say, "Well done." Rest now in the arms of the Savior you so fervently served. Until we meet again, we will hold you in our hearts, forever thankful for the light you brought into our lives. Amen.