Eunice Rich Hattabaugh

Mrs. Eunice Rich Hattabaugh, 86, formerly of Rochester, passed away at 9:30 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, in Denison, Texas.

On May 5, 1934, Eunice Adele Betz was born in Valparaiso. She was the treasured daughter of Louis and Florence Button Betz. Growing up she shared her childhood with her brother Earl and sister Irene. With great Bearcat pride, Eunice graduated from Wheeler High School near Valparaiso in 1952.

In Crown Point, Eunice married the love of her life Mr. Lloyd “Butch” Rich on Sept. 20, 1952. They shared 66 years of life’s adventures. From their union came 6 wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three more generations.

On Aug. 8, 2020, Eunice married Clarence “Dee” Hattabaugh in Denison, Texas. They shared many joys with their blended families.

With a green thumb, Eunie enjoyed gardening, annually planting flowers to add color to the landscape of her home and each fall canning and freezing the bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables for her family. Grounded in her faith, Eunice was a member of Burton-Richland Center United Methodist Church. Gifted with her hands, she enjoyed crocheting, baking and sewing for her family.

The matriarch of her family, she felt so proud and blessed by God to oversee five generations. Her kitchen was home to family and many others over the years. She was accomplished in a variety of culinary creations. A few of her specialties were pear honey, from scratch yeast rolls, pies and when the turkey was in the oven, she made the most amazing dressing. Spending time with family and many others called family at any celebration or holiday was an important joy of her life so that lifetime treasured memories filled with laughter and love could be (and always were) created.

Left to cherish Eunice’s memory are her husband Dee Hattabaugh of Denison; two sons: Louis Rich and wife Jan of Rochester, Lloyd Rich of Reed City, Mich.; four daughters: Renee Stouder and husband Jeff of Bourbon, Risé Stone and husband Jeff of Argos,  Rhonda Barnett and husband Mike of Rochester, Rose Markowicz and husband Tim of Fredericksburg, Texas;  21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Irene Hinderer; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her blended family: children Paul Michael and Joy Hattabaugh, Valparaiso; Lillian Joan Marie Vajda-Geron, Savoy, Texas; R. Wayne and Carolyn Hattabaugh, Valparaiso; Clarence Dee Hattabaugh Jr. and Janice Hattabaugh of Henderson, Ky; nine grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren .

Preceding Eunice in death are her parents Louis and Florence Betz; beloved first husband Lloyd “Butch” Rich on Dec. 28, 2018; grandsons Chase Stone and Caden Stouder; granddaughters Ashley Dawn and Jessica Marie Crafton-Rich; great-granddaughter Grace Adele Gates; daughters-in-law Mindy Rich and Susan Rich; and her brother Earl Betz on June 4, 2014.

The family has chosen to have a private celebration of life and graveside memorial service.