“Elaine was the consummate mother and grandmother of the Hatch family,” Sandgren said. “She was the steady foundation, the quiet strength behind Senator Hatch’s decades of public service, and a source of warmth and kindness to all who knew her.

“Her life was defined by faith, service and love for her family. While her husband’s public work took him across the country and around the world, Elaine was his anchor. As we grieve, we find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Orrin in the faith they both shared. Our hearts are with the Hatch family as we honor the remarkable life she lived.”

According to her obituary, she was born to wheat farmers Sydney Hansen and Edries Nelson in Newton.

A graduate of both North Cache High School and Brigham Young University, Elaine spent her professional career as an elementary school teacher, though her obituary states, “Elaine said her favorite career was being a mother.”

The obituary describes Elaine as “true to her roots,” “humble and kind,” and a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Everyone who met Elaine was struck by her genuine interest in their lives,” the obituary reads. “Elaine rarely talked about herself, despite the amazing life she lived. Her posterity will be blessed by the journals she kept throughout her life.”

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

Elaine’s husband, former-Sen. Orrin G. Hatch was “A member of the United States Senate for 42 years ... the longest-serving Senator in Utah history,” according to orrinhatchfoundation.org.