Mary Karlene Hatton, 81, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 9, 2026, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Mercy Health.
Karlene was born on May 31, 1944, in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late Karl T. Hovekamp and Urel (Jackson) Hovekamp. She grew up in Paducah and graduated from Reidland High School before continuing her education at Draughons Business College.
Karlene lived a life marked by dedication to her family, a competitive spirit, and a love for simple joys. She retired from McCracken County District Court, where she faithfully served as a Court Clerk, reflecting her strong work ethic and commitment to her community. She and her sisters served as the matriarchs of the Hovekamp family, helping to keep strong family traditions alive through regular gatherings, especially around Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. These moments brought generations together and reflected the deep value she placed on family connection.
She was an accomplished billiards player, qualifying multiple times for the APA Pool Player Championships in Las Vegas. She also had a deep love for University of Kentucky basketball and faithfully followed both current and former players, always staying connected to the game and the team she loved. She enjoyed woodworking and found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her world.
Karlene will be remembered for her strength, her steady presence, and the love she poured into her family. Whether through traditions, cheering on her Wildcats, quiet moments, or shared laughter, she left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Andrew “Andy” Hovekamp.
Karlene is survived by her sons, Chris Hatton (Dot) of Paducah, Kentucky, and Karl Hatton (Lynn) of Calhoun, Georgia; her sisters, Jean Ramage and Judy Shoulders, both of Paducah, Kentucky, and Bobbi Brunn (John) of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; her brother, Theodore “Teddy” Hovekamp of Paducah, Kentucky; as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply.
A funeral service to celebrate Karlene’s life will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Hughes Funeral Home, 2975 Old Husbands Road, Paducah, Kentucky. A family viewing will take place at 10:00 a.m., followed by public visitation at 11:00 a.m., and the funeral service at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Mercy Health in honor of Karlene’s life and the compassionate care she received.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.hughesfuneral.com.
Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
