Obituary of Hatsuko Burnette

Hatsuko “Hattie” Burnette passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on March 9, 2017. Because she had a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she entered His Eternal Kingdom. Hattie was born in Okinawa, Japan, to Kamado and Shogyo Matsubara. She was one of six siblings, and because she was second to the oldest, Hattie worked hard to support the family, and to help care for her siblings. She met and married Chester Burnette, while he was enlisted in the US Army and stationed in Okinawa. After serving two tours in Japan, Chester was discharged and, in October 1956, he brought Hattie and their daughter, Mary Ann, back to make their home in Dayton, Washington. They raised five children in Dayton. Hattie was actively involved with the benevolent group, the Royal Neighbors, for many years, involved in her children’s lives and school activities, and also stayed very active with gardening (vegetables, fruit, berries, flowers). Hattie found a love for fishing in later years, loved crafting, pottery, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and quilting. Hattie was very talented on the harmonica, and often joined Chester while he played the fiddle or guitar. She never had idle hands. Hattie worked for over 20 years as head cook and kitchen manager for Dorsey’s Restaurant in Dayton. She then went to work in the dietary kitchen of Dayton General Hospital for another 20 years, retiring in 2000. Shortly afterwards, she and Chester moved to Kennewick, Washington. Hattie loved to laugh, and it was very contagious. If you went to visit her at her home, you never left hungry, and you left with a happy heart, feeling better about yourself than before your visit. Hattie always tried to see the best in people, and was a good practitioner of seeing things half full instead of half empty. She worked very hard all her life, but had to slow down a little to recover from four strokes, from 1997 to 2016. Hattie moved to Auburn, Washington, to the home of her daughter, Mary Ann, and family in May 2015. She was able to spend more time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has made a lasting impression on each and every one of us. Hattie has a large family, and with large families comes infinite memories for sharing, so she will be at every family event. Her four-year-old great granddaughter said it best, “Did you know that GG is going to heaven, but she will ALWAYS be in my heart.” Hatsuko is survived by her children, Mary Ann Dintelman (Roy); John Burnette; Peggy Huet (Wayne); James Burnette (Marlyn); and Connie Burnette-Gonzalez (Jack). She had 10 grandchildren: Melissa Miller (Darrin); Trisha Dintelman; Katie Matai (Sonny); Sam Burnette; Whille Oviatt (Jesse); Jacob Burnette; Joshua Maza (Lexy); Esteban Gonzalez; Sarah Burnette; Allyson Burnette. She also had eight great grandchildren: Lincoln, Justin, Clive, Mia, Aubrey, Claire, Veruca, Tavita. She also has four siblings and families still in Okinawa. Please leave memories of Hatsuko or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.