Sally Joanne Hatten

Sally Joanne Hatten, 77, of Cleveland, Ohio, and formerly of Butler, Missouri, passed away on September 2, 2025, after a short illness. 

She was born on July 31, 1948, in Warrenton, Missouri, the daughter of Alvin Bert Gerdes and Mary Elizabeth (Wallace) Gerdes. A graduate of the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Central Missouri State University, she lived nearly 50 years in Butler and worked as a music teacher in the Adrian, Metz, Rich Hill, and Miami (Missouri) schools before moving to Cleveland to be closer to family.

Sally loved music, singing, Broadway shows, and playing the piano. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, and learning. She valued community service and education and took particular joy in catering events and parties and serving in leadership roles at the Butler Public Library. In her later years, she became connected with the Cleveland Sight Center, where she found meaningful resources and community. 

She is survived by her children: S. Alex Ruthmann and fiancée Carrie Lyu (Shanghai, China); Nick Ruthmann and wife Allison Girvin (Cleveland, Ohio); Beth (Hatten) Bornman and husband Donnie (Republic, Missouri); and Chris Hatten and wife Ali (San Antonio, Texas). Her grandchildren also survive her: Lilly, Charlotte, Shelby, Seraphim, Amelia, and Norah, along with extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Robert L. Hatten; her sister, Kay Caroline (Gerdes) Brown; her parents; and her beloved Great Pyrenees dogs.

A private memorial will be held among family. Friends, family, and former students are encouraged to visit her Facebook page to share remembrances, favorite songs, recipes, and memories: https://www.facebook.com/sally.hatten.9. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Butler Public Library (Butler, Missouri), Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, or the Future Vision Foundation (Cleveland, Ohio).

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Slone & Co. Funeral Directors.