You're invited to attend the Funeral Service for Rita Hatter or to join us for the LIVE Broadcast at 12:00 PM Noon, Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Simply click on the link below.

Funeral Service Broadcast for Rita Hatter

Rita Diane Coffey Hatter
April 23, 1956 – January 7, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Diane Coffey Hatter, who left us peacefully on January 7, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky, after a long and courageous battle with illness. While our hearts are filled with sorrow, we find solace in knowing that her suffering has come to an end.

Rita was born to Frances Louise Propes and Donald Coffey on April 23, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Nicholasville, Kentucky, and later settled in Versailles, Kentucky, where they built their home on Nancy Street. Rita spent most of her childhood there, attending Woodford County High School, and cherished the weekends spent in McKinney with her family and Coffey grandparents.

In the years following high school, Rita became a mother to her son, Gary. In 1976, she married David Bowman, and together they had two daughters, Christin (Chrissy) and Stephanie Jo. Though the couple later parted ways, Rita's love for her children remained steadfast.

In 1989, Rita married Charles "Leonard" Hatter. Though they did not have children together, Rita embraced Leonard's children, Dewayne, Michael, and Bridgette, as her own. The family made their home on a farm in Washington County, where they lived for more than two decades. Though Rita and Leonard eventually divorced in 2018, their bond remained strong, and they continued to care for one another in the years that followed, especially as Rita's health declined. Their love for each other, though tested, never wavered.

Throughout her life, Rita worked in various capacities, from waitressing to providing compassionate care as a hospice nurse and senior caregiver. She was a woman of deep empathy who cared for others with tenderness and grace.

Rita's love for animals was boundless. She doted on her beloved pets, Bobby Jo, Scooter, and Socks, and would welcome any stray that crossed her path. She found joy in horseback riding, fishing, and spending time with her grandkids. She cherished camping trips and visits to Utah with her family. Rita had an abiding love for music, enjoyed the thrill of WWE, was fascinated by true crime shows, and never missed an episode of Jerry Springer. She deeply respected Native American culture, as seen in her vibrant dream catchers and turquoise jewelry collection.

Rita's family was her greatest joy. She is survived by her beloved mother, Louise Coffey; sisters, Donna Canter and Sharon Creech; sister-in-law, Dena M. Coffey; children, Gary (Lynzi) Coffey, Chrissy (Gustavo) Bowman, and Stephanie Jo Robinson; grandchildren, Logan, Ashton, Brenden, Aidan, Carter, Rylee, Victoria, Miguel, Anna, Marissa, Summer, McKenna, and Trace; stepchildren, Michael and Bridgette; seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Coffey; brother, Gary Dale Coffey; sister, Karen Sue Coffey; grandparents, Elvin & Minnie Crow Propes and Alvora "Pos" and Ella Fredricks Coffey; brothers-in-law, Ralph Canter and Tony Creech; son-in-law, Bronston Robinson; stepson, Dewayne Hatter; and granddaughter, Railynn Hulker.

Our family is deeply grateful to the kind and compassionate medical and housekeeping staff at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, whose care over the past few months went beyond the ordinary. They became an extension of our family, offering extraordinary acts of kindness and comfort to Rita and those of us who stood by her side. We also wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Rita's sister, Sharon, and daughter, Chrissy. Their unwavering love, support, and sacrifice during Rita's final days brought her peace and gave great comfort to all of us. Their devotion will never be forgotten.

A service to honor Rita's life will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, 701 North Main Street, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. A private family viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a public viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Lawrenceburg Cemetery.

May Rita's memory live on in the hearts of all who loved her. She will be deeply missed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Richie & Peach Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.richieandpeach.com.