Aletta Eudora Hathcock, 80, passed away on October 29, 2016 in Springfield, Missouri at Mercy Hospital as a result of heart failure while recovering from surgery. Aletta was born in Gainesville, Missouri to Roy and Agnes (Patrick) Hambelton on March 7, 1936. Aletta was the youngest of 5 children and was the center of her older brothers’ devotion. She is preceded in death by her brothers Ted, Hugo, and Bill Hambelton, parents Roy and Agnes Hambelton, and her husband Don Hathcock. She is survived by her children, Jeff Hathcock and wife Barbara of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Diana Radke of Rogersville, Missouri, two grandchildren, Taryn Quessenberry and husband Josh of Republic, Missouri and Devin Radke of Rogersville, Missouri, two great-grand children Kennedy and Jordin Quessenberry of Republic, Missouri, a sister Marguerite Roll of Dora, Missouri, a brother and sister-in-law Leroy and Delores Hathcock of Springfield, Missouri, sister-in-law Phyllis Hathcock of Gainesville, Missouri, and many loving nieces and nephews. Aletta grew up in Gainesville, Missouri and graduated from Gainesville high school as the class salutatorian in 1953. After high school, she continued her education at Draughon’s Business School in Springfield, Missouri where she received her degree in Business. It was during her time in college, when she met her dear friend Judith Meyers, whom she dearly loved. Although Aletta knew him as a child, she fell in love with her husband, Donald Ray Hathcock when he worked alongside her on the Hambelton family farm. They married in November of 1956 and she was the love of Don’s life for over 50 years. Together, Don and Aletta had a passion for renovating houses and managed several rental properties. They were partners in life and enjoyed attending Missouri State Lady Bear Basketball games as season ticket holders. They loved to travel and their cross country vacation trips made many lasting memories for their children. After retirement, they continued to travel and loved to explore flea markets looking for antique butter dishes. After the loss of her husband in 2010, Aletta treasured her dear friends and looked forward to their weekly Skip-Bo games and fellowship. Spinal stenosis limited Aletta’s ability to walk, but it didn’t limit her spirit. When she was unable to travel to play, the group generously brought the game to her. Aletta was a member of the Sunset Church of Christ. After Aletta became unable to drive, church members volunteered to drive her to church and visited her frequently. Aletta had a successful career as a bookkeeper and instilled her work ethic and dedication in her children. She retired from McKinney Bedding after working at St. John’s Hospital, Hollander Distributing, Ozark Tractor, and The Better Business Bureau. Aletta was so proud of her children and the families that they had been blessed with. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved family gatherings and birthday celebrations, watching her grandson Devin play sports, and shared the love of reading with her granddaughter Taryn. Let there be comfort in knowing that she was surrounded with loving family and that she is now and will forever be free of pain.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the Gainesville Church of Christ in Gainesville, MO with Joe Bright and Dwight Samuel officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from Noon til service time at the church. Burial will be in the Patrick Cemetery. Arrangements are by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.