Jean Elverum Hatton was born in Fairbault Minnesota, on May 7, 1938, and died on November 30th, 2025, in Lorena, Texas at the age of 87 after a courageous battle with cancer. Survived by beloved husband of 62 years, Christian Phillip Hatton; sons she was so proud of, Jeffrey Christian Hatton and Peter Phillip Hatton; daughters-in-law, Nancy Bell Hatton and Kristen Bech Hatton; eight wonderful grandchildren plus three spouses, Calvin, Bryn (and Landon Howard), Knox, Belle, and Ty Hatton, and Rebecca (and Jed Spurgeon), David (and Morgen), and Jonathan Hatton; as well as brother, John Elverum (and sister-in-law Marie) and sister, Jan Hermanson (and brother-in-law Paul). Jean was predeceased by her parents, Milford and Marie Elverum.

Jean graduated from Fairbault High School in 1956. Her undergrad studies were at St. Olaf, in Northfield, Minnesota, where as a music education major she sang with the St. Olaf’s famous choir. She was voted “Student of the Year” at the regional contest of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and later sang at the National Convention. A month before graduation in 1960, Jean was crowned Miss Minnesota.

After graduation, Jean kept a busy schedule representing Minnesota around the state and competing in the 1961 Miss American pageant. She then joined Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians as a professional singer where she enjoyed touring with the organization. During her time with Waring, Jean met the love of her life, Chris, and they married on June 22, 1963.

During their sixty-two years of marriage Jean and Chris lived in many different places including Peoria, IL, Dallas, Chicago, Houston, Simsbury, CT, Sewickley, PA, and some cherished retirement years at their beautiful log cabin, Laurel Top, in North Central Pennsylvania before moving to Lorena, Texas to be near their children. But with every move, Jean consistently enjoyed making home for her family, singing and gardening.

During those years of raising Jeff and Pete, Jean taught piano and voice but especially loved watching the boys in their sports and playing host to their friends. In her later years, Jean enjoyed being under Jeff’s preaching at Redeemer Presbyterian. She also loved singing with the Baylor Singing Seniors Choir, working in her garden, cooking, and knitting. But her grandkids brought her the most joy. Along with telling everyone about them, she also wanted everyone to know the good news of the gospel of grace.

Jean’s faith in Jesus and her hope of heaven sustained her in all of life. The strength and grace and ability to endure that she displayed during her illness was a testament to God’s loyal love towards her.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the generous hospitality shown to the family during this difficult time. And a special thanks to the medical care provided by Dr. Natalie Lippe throughout Jean’s illness.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Redeemer Presbyterian Church benevolence fund (2501 Redeemer Way, Waco, Texas 76712).

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2501 Redeemer Way, Waco, Texas on Saturday, December 27th, 2025 at 10am.