Caroline Fey (Libby) Hatton, age 81, passed away at her home on December 5th, surrounded by friends and family. She was born December 17, 1927 in Chadron, Nebraska to Grace (Flickinger) and Fred Libby, long time residents of Custer, South Dakota. Caroline attended Black Hills State University, obtained her two-year teaching degree, and began a career in education teaching the 8th grade in Edgemont, South Dakota at the age of 19. While attending college, she fulfilled one of her dreams by learning to solo fly a plane. She also met David Gibbs Hatton, from Wall, South Dakota, who had returned from serving in the Army in World War II. They married on August 22, 1948 in Custer at her parents' home. She returned to school and attained a four-year degree in Education, and in 1972 she attained a Masters Degree in Library Science from Brigham Young University. She and Gibbs both worked as educators at Edgemont, and later moved to Medicine Bow, Wyoming where they completed their careers.

Together they had three daughters, Elizabeth, Marjorie, and Cynthia. Caroline was preceded in death by her father, Fred, her mother, Grace, her husband, Gibbs, her sister, Avis (Hespen), and her brother, Fred Libby. She is survived by her daughters, Libby (Bill Phillips), Margie (Ken Johnson) and grandchildren Justin and wife Sarah O'Brien, Austin O'Brien, Autumn O'Brien, and Drew O'Brien, Cyndy (Jim Robinson) and grandchildren Suzanna Robinson and William Robinson. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Caroline taught English as a second language to Spanish-speaking parents, taught adult literacy education, began the Custer Garden Club along with her sister and became a Master Gardener, volunteered at churches, museums, and public libraries. She also loved to quilt, and made numerous baby quilts for friends and family.

Her family is grateful to have Frank Leal, LPN as her caregiver and companion during the last few months of her life.

Visitation will be held Monday December 7,2009 from 5pm to 7pm at McColleys Chapel of the Hills in Custer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the United Churches in Edgemont with Pastor Floyd Mills, Pastor Norma Mills, and Pastor Bill Comfort officiating.

Interment will be at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.