Hattie Bell (Dale) Hutchings

April 24, 1929 - April 16, 2020

Hattie Bell (Dale) Hutchings was born on September 24, 1929, in Wood River, Illinois to Clarence and Laura (Wilkening) Dale and passed away on April 16, 2020, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Salem, Missouri at the age of ninety years. Hattie grew up Wood River, Illinois and had fond memories of her childhood there. She moved to a farm near the Meramec River with her family when she was a teenager. In order to pursue her dream of getting a High School diploma, Hattie moved to Salem, where she boarded with another family and worked as a waitress. While working, she met the love of her life, Noel Earl Hutchings and on February 14, 1948, Noel and Hattie were united in marriage. Together, they shared sixty years of memories before his passing on September 6, 2005 and were blessed with five children: Roger, Daniel, Brenda, Judith, and Cynthia. Hattie was a dedicated homemaker devoted to her husband and family. She also worked outside the home in a variety of occupations ranging from tentmaker to Youth Program Associate with the Extension Office to Deputy Circuit Clerk. Her family was very important to her and she cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Hattie was always on the go, highly involved with those she loved. Hattie accepted Christ in her twenties, her relationship and love for Jesus was the most important thing in her life. In the 1960s, she became involved in the ministry as a pastor’s wife and served for many years and in many ways. Noel and Hattie served in churches in Missouri and Illinois throughout their ministry. They were servants of God, always visiting and praying for whoever they encountered. Hattie had a passion for missions and a heart for service, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Salem, her faith was evident to all she encountered. Hattie is survived by her loving children: Daniel Hutchings and wife Kathleen of New Haven, MO; Brenda Felkerson and husband Terry of Salem, MO, Judith Wood and husband Edward of Salem, MO, Cynthia Heister and husband James of Cincinnati, OH; one sister: Laura Williams of Salem, MO; two sisters-in-law: Virginia Dale and Hilda Wisdom; eight grandchildren: April Hutchings of Salem, MO, Shawn Wood and wife Kelly of Troy, MO, Andy Felkerson and wife Tiffin of Salem, MO, Cassy Haddox and husband Thomas of St. Louis, MO, Nathan Wood and wife Tania of Salem, MO, Scott Wood and wife Ashley of Rogersville, MO, Rachel Busch of Georgia, and Emma Lawrence of Cincinnati, OH; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; extended family and friends. Preceding her in death, were her husband: Noel Earl Hutchings; son: Roger Hutchings; parents: Clarence and Laura Dale; brothers: Charles and Robert Dale; sister-in-law: Louise Dale; and brother-in-law: Dan Williams. Hattie was a wonderful, beautiful, and caring lady. Her zest for life, faith in God, love for her family and devotion to serving others created a space filled with joy and treasured memories in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered. Graveside Services for Hattie Bell (Dale) Hutchings were held Saturday, April 19, 2020 at the Boss Cemetery with Pastor Michael York officiating. Song selections played were “In The Garden” and “Safe In The Arms Of Jesus”. Serving as pallbearers were Shawn Wood, Andy Felkerson, Nathan Wood, Scott Wood, and Emma Lawrence. Honorary Pallbearers were April Hutchings, Cassy Haddox, and Rachel Busch. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Hattie Bell Hutchings to the International Mission Board and left at Wilson Mortuary.