Marilyn Drake Hatcher

Marilyn Drake Hatcher passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018 at a local care center. Marilyn was born December 14, 1934, in Chillicothe, Mo., to Lester Drake and Bonnelyn (Rife) Drake. The family moved shortly afterwards to Springfield, Mo., where they lived until Marilyn was 7. They then moved to Bentonville, Ark., where Marilyn attended school until graduating from Bentonville High School in 1952. At age 12, she was baptized into the First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville where she was a member until her death. July 5, 1952 she married JD Hatcher. They lived and farmed in Hiwasse until 1957 when they moved to Southern California. There they owned and operated a dairy business. They returned to NW Arkansas in 1979 to live on the Hatcher farm. Marilyn went to work at the Benton County Revenue Office in January 1980, retiring from there in 1999. Her Arkansas State Agent number was 007... so those who knew her can say they knew the REAL 007. She enjoyed her work and her many customers who came in to license cars and trucks. Although her birth family was small, she loved her husband's large family and enjoyed family gatherings very much. Christmas was her absolute favorite holiday, and she always enjoyed decorating for it. Marilyn loved reading, especially history. She also loved to travel and took many trips with her sisters-in-law and nieces. She liked pets and had four cats, whom she loved very much. Her last days were spent in a long term care facility. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Apple Creek Health and Rehab for their outstanding care during her final days. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, JD, and her granddaughter, Bonnelyn Grace Hatcher. Survived by her daughter, Holly Ann Robins; two sons, Jim Hatcher and wife, Dru, Scott Hatcher and wife, Nancy, all of Bentonville; one sister, Linda Wells and husband, George of Leland, N.C.; one granddaughter, April Neal of Bentonville; one great-granddaughter Evelyn Grace. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations to the Bell Tower Fund, c/o the First Presbyterian Church, 901 NE J Street, Bentonville, Ark. 72712, or the Cat Clinic of Northwest Arkansas, 1031 W. Walnut, Rogers, Ark. 72736. Memorial services will be at First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, at 4 p.m., Saturday, April 14. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.