William Earle Hatcher

William Earle Hatcher, known to family and friends as Bill, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, at the age of 77. He died at his home, holding the hands of his loving daughters, with a smile on his face.

Born on February 8, 1948, in Woodland, Bill was the son of Kelsey and Betty Ann Campbell Hatcher. He attended Cacheville Elementary School in Yolo and graduated from Woodland High School in 1966. Bill furthered his education at Yuba Community College before transferring to Chico State University, where he met and married Leigh Yon Kondy on November 13, 1976. The couple built their family home north of Woodland on the Missouri Ranch, a property homesteaded by Bill's great-great-grandfather in 1853. There, they raised their two daughters.

Bill had a distinguished career with Yolo County as a correctional officer, earning numerous accolades for his dedication and service, including being named Correctional Officer of the Year in 1992. He retired in 2007 to devote more time to his family, though he continued to work part-time at UC Davis and the Yolo Post Office.

A passionate outdoorsman, Bill found joy in hunting, fishing, and horseback riding—this activity he especially cherished in retirement, often alongside his wife. Every year, Bill would eagerly embark on trips with friends and family, and he was always quick to drop everything for an adventure. One of his last cherished trips was to Alaska, where he traveled with his children and grandchildren in the fall of 2024. Whether it was a cross-country road trip or a journey to a new state or city, Bill was always ready to explore

Bill was deeply committed to his family and friends. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others and was always quick to make new friends. He took great pride in his family's legacy on the Missouri Ranch, where he was the fifth generation to call it home. Many of his happiest moments were spent working on the ranch, engaging in conversation, or simply taking in the beautiful view of the Butte Mountains.

Throughout his life, Bill was actively involved in several organizations, including Yolo Volunteer Firemen, Masonic Lodge No. 81, Free and Accepted Masons in Woodland, Shriners International, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He served on the board of the Friends of the Library in Yolo, was a long-time member of the Mary’s Cemetery and Chapel Support Group, and most recently sat on the Board of Directors for the Mary’s Cemetery District.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Madden (and husband Dan) of Woodland, Morgan Hatcher (and husband Zeb) of Woodland, and his beloved grandchildren: William “Will” Madden, Amelia Madden, Elleigh Vigil, and Faye Vigil. He is also survived by his brother, John Hatcher of Williams, along with many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Bill’s name to the Mary’s Cemetery and Chapel Support Group, P.O. Box 91, Yolo, CA 95697.

Service Information Bill’s services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 515 Second Street, Woodland, CA. Following the service, there will be a gathering at the Elks Lodge, 500 Bush Street, Woodland, CA. All are welcome to attend and share their stories of Bill’s life.