Hattie Hanks

Hattie Lee Hanks was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

She left this world suddenly with her daughter Rylee and Rylee’s unborn child on Jan. 14,

2022, at age 53.

Hattie was born to Gene and Dottie Peters on Jan. 28, 1968. She was the sister to Dee

Dee and Todd. While attending Hay Springs High School, she met her husband Wade Hanks. On

May 5, 1989, they married in Fremont, Nebraska. Together they had two wonderful children; Darrick and Rylee.

After graduating from high school, Hattie furthered her education at Cosmetology School

in Fremont.  Hattie and Wade then moved to Crawford in 1991, where they raised their family together. Upon completion of Cosmetology School, she found her true passion, hair.  Hattie accomplished many things in life including opening and owning: Xellence salon on main street of Crawford and Outback Beauty Salon in Harrison. She was gifted in arts and crafts, ranging from refurbishing old furniture to home decor.

Hattie loved being a grandmother first and foremost. Her and Wade loved watching their

kids participate in sports throughout high school and college. She loved her fur babies and family.

Hattie and Wade truly enjoyed spending time together fishing and camping. One was never

surprised to hear a story about Wade and Hattie loading up their dogs in the boat and dragging a line in the lake. She never knew a stranger (one thing the Peters are known for), and loved

talking to anyone. She was one of the most honest people. She enjoyed nature and especially

loved her frogs. Hattie had a passion for using the natural remedies of the earth.

Hattie was preceded in death by grandparents Leonard and Hattie (Linders) Peters,

grandparents Benjamin and Agnes (Shorter) Wilkerson, and went to heaven with Rylee Downs,

and numerous aunts and uncles.

Hattie is survived by her husband Wade Lloyd Hanks of 32 years, son Darrick and Lacie

Hanks of Mullen, son-in-law Justin Downs of Chadron, granddaughter Ellianna Collins of Chadron, step grandson Jaxon Downs of Chadron, parents Gene and Dottie Peters of Hay

Springs, sister Dee Dee (Peters) and Randy Ray of Hay Springs, brother Todd and Jennifer

Peters of Mullen, aunts and uncles Carmen Harrahill of Grand Island, Jerry Peters of Rushville,

Wayne and Rita Peters of Mirage Flats, Ruth Ann Sipe of Virginia Beach, mother and father

in-law Ronald and Marianne Hanks of Hay Springs, brother-in-law Lynn and Teri Hanks of

Crawford, brother-in-law Cory and Tia Hanks of Hay Springs, many nieces, and nephews, and

special friends including: Diane Humphries, Robin Shimek, and so many more.

In lieu of flowers, contributions towards Ellianna’s medical expenses will be

greatly appreciated.