Lillian Claire Hatch

Our beautiful mother passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025. Lillian Claire Franks Hatch was born November 10, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas. She was the third of seven children born to Walter Augustus Franks and Wilhelmina Augusta Winckler Franks.

Lillian grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and enjoyed all the waterfront activities of the area including camping, sailing, and fishing. In 1951 she married Bobby, and they started a family of six children. In 1959, they moved to Harlingen where they raised the family. Lillian continued outdoor activities like gardening—she loved her roses. She also enjoyed games with friends like bridge, bunko, and cards and marbles. During retirement she enjoyed camping with Bobby in their motorhome, and they visited many parks throughout the United States including Alaska. She and Bobby were members of the Rio Valley Funtimers, Chapter 169, of the International Good Sam Club. Her love of games extended to gambling trips with family and friends. When not playing games, she enjoyed watching her favorite baseball team, the Texas Rangers.

Preceding Lillian in death were her parents, husband Robert W. Hatch, daughter Mary Christine Hatch, and grandson Dustin Bennett. She was also predeceased by her brother Father Gabriel Franks, sisters Patricia Norvell and Margaret Johnson and brothers-in-law Marcus Norvell, Jerry Johnson, Sherman Benys and John Hicks.

Lillian lived a long, full life and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her siblings Barbara Hicks, Joan Benys (Bill Lyie), and Mary Baird (Ricky). She is also survived by her children Joan Leger (Ricky), Laura Nichols (Steve), Phil Hatch, Ruth Crum (Chuck) and Sandra Hatch and daughter-in-law Crystal Tapp. Lillian was blessed with eight grandchildren Claire, Wilkins, Bill, Nathan, Jill, Kris, Luke and Rayann; and four greatgrandchildren Ashley, Victoria, Kate and Cole.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her care givers Belinda Martinez, Marivel Quiroz and Sylvia Araiza. The help and care of the nurses and staff of Amedisys Hospice Care was also greatly appreciated.

A private ceremony will be held to place Lillian’s ashes with Bobby’s at Sacred Park, Mercedes, TX.