Mary Ellen Hiatt

Mary Ellen was born in Lansing, Michigan, on October 9, 1932, to Oscar Colister and Edna Baxter Colister. In Michigan in the early 1950’s, she met her husband Cecil Hiatt, and they eventually moved to Florida, where they lived with their two sons for many years before settling in Chattanooga in 1975.

Mary Ellen was an avid reader who especially enjoyed a good book and a quiet afternoon. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest happiness came from time spent with her family. She was practical and valued her independence, simple routines and good conversation. She was a member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church for many years and cherished the friendships she formed there.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, John Cecil Hiatt, and an infant son.

She is survived by her two sons, John Steven (Angie) Hiatt and Brian (Linda) Hiatt, both of Chattanooga. She was known as “Mimi” to four grandchildren: Lindsay Hiatt (Josh Harris) of Chattanooga, Lauren (Eli) Kennedy of Chattanooga, John Zachary Hiatt of Smyrna, Ga., and Amy Hall of Dallas, Texas; three great-granddaughters, Grace Kennedy, Alexandra Truax-Beltre, and Cecila Kennedy; and two great-grandsons, Aidan Hall and Cameron Hall. She is also survived by three step grandsons, Shawn, Corey and Robby Vick and by special nieces, Sandra Dannhardt and Kay Harris.

In addition to her husband and infant son, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her sister, Audrey Babcock; brother, Keith Colister; brothers-in-law, Douglas Babcock, Mark Hiatt and Albert Hiatt; and sisters-in-law, Bernice Hiatt and Petra Hiatt.

There will be no visitation. The burial will be private in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hearth Hospice.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.