Kimberly "Hatt" Sue Shorten

Kimberly Sue (Hatt) Shorten passed away October 31, 2016 in Olympia, Washington, a week short of her 54th birthday. She was born November 7, 1962 to LeRoy and Cora (Colby) Hatt in Seattle, Washington. A 26-year resident of Olympia, she also lived in Enumclaw, Washington from 1974 to 1983. She graduated from Enumclaw High School, Enumclaw, Washington, in 1981; from Green River Community College, Auburn, Washington, with an Associate in Arts in 1983; and from Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1987. Kim married Glenn Shorten on April 1, 1989 in Olympia. Kim was an early education educator. Her employment included KinderCare Learning Center, Auburn, Washington, 1985-1988; substitute teacher for Auburn, Shelton, Olympia, Tumwater, North Thurston School Districts, 1987-1989; first grade teacher, Elma Elementary School, Elma, Washington, 1989-1992; salesperson and cashier, School Daze, Olympia, Washington, 1994-2001; L.E.A.P assistant, Olympia School District, Olympia, Washington, 2002-2004; preschool teacher, Gloria Dei Lutheran Preschool, Olympia, Washington, 2004-2007; lead teacher and home visitor, West Olympia Head Start, Olympia, Washington, 2007-2012; MERIT Program support, Washington State Department of Early Learning, Olympia, Washington, 2012-2014; and Early Learning Consultant, Child Care Action Council, Olympia, Washington, 2014-2016. She was involved with her boys’ education, often volunteering for field trips and school activities, and also was a Cub Scout den leader. Kim was kind, caring, giving, compassionate, and vibrant. She accepted and loved everyone. She loved working with kids, hiking, zip lining, reading, singing, playing guitar, and decorating for every holiday. She was devoted to Christianity and learned to love and worship God at Country Bible Church in the late 1970s. She was a member of Pioneer Club as a teenager. She attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Olympia, Washington from 1990 to 2007 where she had various roles including a Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent. She was a member of Grace Community Covenant Church from 2008 to 2016 where she helped out with children programs. She was a children’s leader for Bible Study Fellowship this year. Kim is survived by her husband, Glenn Shorten of Olympia; sons, Jared Shorten of Olympia, and David Shorten of Bellingham, Washington; parents, LeRoy and Cora Hatt; and sister, Jessica Hatt of Enumclaw, Washington. Memorial donations may be made to: Child Care Action Council, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA 98506; Seattle Children’s Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (Children’s saved her life as a newborn in 1962.); Interfaith Works Overnight Emergency Shelter, 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501; or any other kid-orientated group. Please leave memories of Kimberly or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.