Ronald "Ron" Royce Hatfield, 79, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, at Gardens Care of Saddle Rock Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado, with his family by his side.
Ron was born on January 9, 1947, in a U.S. Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Faye Anne and Royce Judson Hatfield. As a career military family, the Hatfields moved often, living in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Trinidad, B.W.I. (British West Indies), and Chicago, Illinois.
After graduating from Steinmetz High School in Chicago, Ron joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he played varsity lacrosse.
During a holiday break, Ron met Karen Lee Brewster on a blind date arranged by their mothers in Chicago. They dated long- distance throughout their college years and were married in 1970 after Ron received orders for Vietnam. Ron proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for seven years.
Ron and Karen moved many times throughout their marriage. Over the years, they lived in San Diego and San Leandro, California; Chicago and Oak Park, Illinois; and later West Des Moines, Iowa. They welcomed their son, David, in Evanston, Illinois, in 1979, and their daughter, Elizabeth, in Oak Park in 1982. They especially enjoyed raising their family in Oak Park before relocating to West Des Moines in 1987. Ron joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa and later Briggs Corporation, serving as an executive in healthcare operations and administration.
Ron was especially happy when he was active in sports. A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, he played men's softball, was an avid golfer, and was a member of the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. He began riding in RAGBRAI at the age of 60 and, each summer, rode his bicycle across the state of Iowa until he was 72 years old. He also competed in the Iowa Senior Games in the shot put and discus, proving that age was never a barrier to pursuing new challenges.
Above all, Ron was devoted to his family. He coached his children's baseball and softball teams, never missed a game, track meet, or dance recital, and wholeheartedly supported every activity David and Elizabeth pursued. Whether offering thoughtful advice, cheering from the sidelines, or simply being present, Ron's love, support, and encouragement helped shape the lives of those he loved.
Ron and Karen cherished the many friendships they made over the decades of their marriage. They were longtime supporters of the Des Moines Community Playhouse and the Des Moines Symphony. They also loved hosting parties, enjoying gourmet dinners, and celebrating the holidays with friends and family, where laughter and memorable meals were shared by all. As Ron always said, "The cook should never have to wash the dishes or clear the kitchen" - and that's just one of the many reasons Karen loved him so much.
In 2021, Ron and Karen moved to Colorado to be closer to David and Elizabeth and their beloved grandchildren. Within months, Ron was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. Together, they faced the challenges and progression of Ron's illnesses over the next five years with strength, determination, unwavering faith, and constant prayer. In 2025, Ron became a resident of Gardens Care of Saddle Rock in Aurora, Colorado, where he was surrounded by compassionate caregivers who, alongside his family, supported him through the final chapter of his life.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Faye and Royce Hatfield; his brother, Brian Hatfield; his nephew, Benjamin Hatfield; his father-in-law, Fred Brewster; his mother-in-law, Wilma Brewster Lewis; his brother-in-law, David Brewster; and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Hatfield; his son, David Hatfield (Hayley); his daughter, Elizabeth Maples (Chris); and his four treasured grandchildren, Emma and Ryan Hatfield and Jack and Henry Maples, who were the greatest joys of his life. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Freddie Brewster, Lisa Brewster, Brenda Sorenson, and Candi Morales Hatfield.
Ron will be remembered for his intelligence, integrity, quiet wit, steadfast devotion to those he loved, and the example he set through a life of service, generosity, and unconditional love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity or organization that is meaningful to you and your family.
A celebration of Ron's life will be held at a future date in Des Moines, Iowa.
Updated: July 10, 2026
Curator: Ed Moore