Nancy Emila Hatter's Obituary
Nancy Emila Hatter
Born on April 25, 1944 in Hendricks, Minnesota. Passed away on Feb 9, 2026 in Mansfield, Texas.
Nancy’s father raised her from age 10 and Samuel age 8 on his own after her mother, Emma, passed away. He was very dedicated in continuing to keep them connected with their aunts, uncles and cousins even though they lived 3 or more hours away. Nancy’s very favorite aunt became Nettie. Her cousin, Lucy, has lots of wonderful memories of the time she spent with Nancy. She and Lucy kept in touch all through the years up until Nancy’s passing.
She loved growing up on the family farm in Minnesota. One of her favorite chores was taking care of the cows. She would wake up early every morning and feed them before catching the bus for school.
Nancy had an adventurous spirit and left for a month-long trip shortly a
fter graduating high school. She and her best friend, Barb, traveled across Europe together with what they could fit in their backpacks. They traveled by train and visited many countries. Some nights they spent with Barb’s family or friends while staying in hostels the other nights. It was the trip of a lifetime.
Her adventurous spirit brought her to Texas as a young woman. She traveled here with Barb, staying with her family until setting out on her own. Here she met the man who would be her future husband and father of her son, who was the light of her life.
On trips to the family land, she liked sitting in the cabin door and watching Henry and James out using the tractors. At times she would even go on the golf cart down into the woods and watch them working. She loved being in nature watching the birds and squirrels.
Nancy loved animals, especially cardinals and puppies. She also loved butterflies and sunflowers. She loved her family and had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, more than they could ever know. It was a silent kind of love she had for them. She was so appreciative of her children taking good care of her after James’ passing.
She enjoyed getting together for family gatherings, sharing a meal and playing board games with everyone.
In her last few years at the assisted living center, Nancy enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels who would stop by to visit her bird feeder daily. She enjoyed visits from her family and friends. Her sense of humor started coming out. Once when asked “How are you feeling?”, she replied “With my fingers.” She formed new friendships with members of the staff; they brought sunshine to her day.
Nancy is survived by children and spouses, Eleanor & Michael Murphy, Henry Hatter & Teresa Citarella, and Loretta & Thomas Messinger. Grandchildren: Crystal Murphy, Brandon & Heather Murphy, Christopher Hatter, Hayden Carlisle, Katherine Messinger, Elizabeth Messiner, Hunter Carlisle and great grandchild, Madison Murphy. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members.
Preceded in death by husband, James William Hatter; father, Hayden Percy Carlisle; mother, Emma Bertha Hulke; sibling, Samuel Carlisle; and son, James Hayden Carlisle.
A Celebration Service will take place the morning of Friday, March 6, 2026 at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Nancy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nancy?
Share a story where Nancy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nancy you’ll never forget.
How did Nancy make you smile?
