Viola Merle Hatley

Viola Merle Hatley was born August 23, 1928 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Leo Edgar Montgomery and Viola Cora (Cates) Montgomery. She passed away September 18, 2020. One of her first jobs was in the ticket booth at the Ritz Theatre in Shawnee, where her father also worked as a projectionist for 50 years. It was while working at the Ritz that Merle fell in love with a young usher, Doyle Hatley. They were married on April 16, 1948. Together they raised two sons and one daughter. Merle and Doyle moved to Norman in 1977. Many people may know her as a long time employee at Wal-mart, where she worked in the toy department for 30 years.

Merle was the oldest of five sisters, with whom she shared many hobbies. Along with their mother, the sisters took many trips together. From road trips across the American West to a cruise through Alaskan fjords, they always had a ball and came home with many stories to share. Merle was often responsible for keeping the daily trip log and took many photos of her adventures as well. Later in life she compiled them into photo albums that are now treasured by her family.

Merle enjoyed many other hobbies including archery, reading, and gardening. While outside tending her flowers, she always made sure to fill the bird feeders for her feathered friends. Merle was an unabashed “trekkie” who collected Star Trek memorabilia and enjoyed watching each new series added to the Star Trek universe. Her all-time favorite activity was spending time in a full house, especially when she got the chance to flex her competitive muscle during a game of cards.

Viola is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sisters Louise Hiner and Dora Mize. She is survived by her sisters Rita Fiscus of Norman, Anne Hodam and husband Floyd of Norman, sons; Larry Hatley and wife Wilma of Edmond, OK.,

Danny Hatley and wife Siriporn of Rayong, Thailand, daughter; Diana Bell of Norman, grandchildren; Michael Hatley of Norman, Josh Hatley and wife Sarah of Portage, Michigan, Geoffrey Hatley and wife Dawn of Oklahoma City, Merleyn Bell and husband Corey Matzkanin of Norman, Jenni Wedman and husband Tyler of Oklahoma City, great grandchildren; Hunter, Lea, William, Matthew, and Dax, and a long list of family and friends.

A private memorial service for Viola's family will be held on Saturday October 3, 2020 at 10 AM. To view the live stream, please click here