Mary "Elgin" Hatch Strohecker went to live with her Savior in the early morning of July 12, 2026. She was born on February 7, 1935 in Regina, NM to George and Mary Hatch. She was the oldest of seven children with four younger sisters and two younger brothers.

After graduation from High School in Grants, NM she attended nursing school in Albuquerque, NM where she became a Registered Nurse. While working at St. Joseph's Hospital in Albuquerque she met and married the love of her life, Carl Strohecker who was stationed in the Air Force at Kirtland Air Force Base also in Albuquerque. They were married on November 16, 1957 and were blessed with three children, Monica, Melannie, and Kip.

In 1969 they established their home in Bayfield, CO where she lived out her life as wife, mother and grandmother. She served on the Library Board and was a Lioness for many years serving her community.

Her loves have always been God, family and serving her fellowman. She was affectionately known as Grandma Elgin to her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS and was sealed to her husband, Carl, on July 15, 1970 in the Mesa, AZZ temple.

She was preceded in death by her honey, Carl Stohecker; her parents, George and Mary Hatch; sisters Reva Duran, Georgie Ross, Hilda King and Bonnie Wright; and three grandchildren, Stryker, Slate, and Taleena Christensen.

She is survived by daughter Monica (Carlyle) Christensen of Bayfield; daughter, Melannie (Monty) Cundiff of Bayfield; son Kip (Kathy) Strohecker of Pagosa Springs; twelve grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; brothers Carl (Sandra) Hatch of Monte Vista, CO; Alan (Diane) Hatch of LaSal, UT; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1690 Bayfield, CO on Friday July 17, 2026 at 9 am. Celebration of life will follow at 10 am. Graveside service will be at the Pine River Cemetery, Bayfield, immediately following.

The family would like to thank the Common Spirit Hospice staff for their care the last few days of her life. Also, the care that Hood Mortuary has shown. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Pine River Library in Bayfield.