Erva L. (Harrel) Hatfield

Erva Lee (Harrel) Hatfield, 84, lifetime Kittitas Valley resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Viewing for family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Thursday, November 2 at Johnston & Williams in Ellensburg.  A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3 at the Ellensburg IOOF Cemetery.

Erva was born on November 10, 1938 in Ellensburg to Ervan & Margaret (McKenzie) Harrel. She was raised in Thorp and graduated from Thorp High School in 1957.  She continued her education at Central Washington State College before entering the workforce.

On December 31,1959, Erva married Stephen “Steve” Hatfield, whom she had known since the first grade. They made their home in Ellensburg, eventually buying property and building a home on Umptanum Road in 1968 where they raised two boys and many horses.

Over the years, Erva worked locally in several occupations such as an operator for the Ellensburg Telephone Company to clerical and administrative positions with local medical offices and Kittitas County.

Erva had a lifelong love and passion for horses and dogs.  From childhood and throughout her life, there was always at least one horse in the barn.  She loved to go on trail rides and poker runs, train horses and participate in Western Pleasure competitions. In addition to training and showing horses she had a similar love for German Shepherds.  When not at the arena Erva was an amazing hostess for many family gatherings and dinners.  After a delicious meal you could never go home without having some of Erva’s yummy dessert. Most of all, Erva was an incredibly loving person who will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Erva is survived by her husband, Steve Hatfield; sons Todd (Kelley) Hatfield and Teen (Kay Novotney) Hatfield; grandchildren Ashley (D’Yves) Martin, Jordyn (Brandan) Buchanan and Morgan Hatfield; great-grandchildren Ivy, Jax and Rya; and sister Irene (App) Legg.

Memorial contributions in Erva’s honor are suggested to the Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center, PO Box 953, Ellensburg, WA 98926 or online at www.spirittrc.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com