Elizabeth Ruth Hatfield, 96, of Joplin, passed away November 16, 2020 in the comfort of her home. Elizabeth was born April 6, 1924, in Rogers, Arkansas to the union of the late William and Cecil (Overby) Albright. On March 20, 1946, she was united in marriage to Clyde Hatfield and together they had three children. She and Clyde enjoyed trips to local flea markets and rummage sales. They also made happy memories on family camping trips and the time they spent traveling. Elizabeth was a school cook at West Central in Joplin and retired in 1985 after 14 years of service. She excelled in the kitchen and cooked many wonderful meals. Her baking skills were untouchable as she mastered the world’s best homemade apple pie. She also enjoyed gardening of all kinds. Elizabeth had the most gentle spirit, a giving heart, and always put others before herself. She had a genuine love for all people, even those she didn’t know, and the Hatfield’s were often known for always being helpful to those in need. Elizabeth will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy, in 1967 during his service in Vietnam; her husband, Clyde, in 2010; and all of her siblings, two brothers and two sisters. She was the last living of her generation in the family. Survivors include two children, Janet Julian (Steve) and Tom Hatfield (Connie), all of Diamond; four grandchildren, Kristi Lamb, Kim Shaner, Michelle Lentz, and Philip Julian; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2020 at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin with Roger Beach officiating. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Sam Shaner, George Shaner, Joseph Shaner, Cole Storie, and Eli Lamb with Hillary Edens and Emma Shaner as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6-7:00 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.