Christine Mason Hatley, 79, a long-time resident of San Jose, Calif., died on Jan. 21, 2006, in San Jose.

She was born July 31, 1926, in Hickoria, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Mason.

Mrs. Hatley was baptized into the Methodist church at Knobel as a young woman.

She was a homemaker and a teacher. She earned a B.S.E. degree in elementary education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 1951 and took several continuing education courses while teaching in the San Jose schools.

She began her teaching career in Knobel at age 17. She also taught in Boydsville, Memphis, Livonia, Mich., and San Jose, Calif. She held a Lifetime Teaching Certificate. Mrs. Hatley retired from teaching in 1987. She enjoyed gardening and working in her yard, but she was happiest when surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Mason of Knobel; three brothers, C.R. Mason Jr., Jeff Mason and Thad Mason; a great-niece, Peyton Lytle; a sister-in-law, Colleen Carruthers; two nephews, Jerry Walden and Mike Walden; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. H. Hatley.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Calvin Hatley; a son, Alan Hatley; a daughter, Carolyn Burton and husband, Sam; three grandsons, Matthew Hatley, Dan Burton and Scott Burton; two sisters, Geraldine Stayton of Pocahontas and Jacquelyn Pogue of Piggott; sister-in-law, Carolyn Mason of Knobel; brother-in-law, James Hatley and wife, Wanda, of Orlando, Fla.; sister-in-law, Nita Cox and husband, Gene, of St. Louis; brother-in-law, Euell Hatley of Maynard; sister-in-law, Anne Murray and husband, Aubrey, of St. Louis; sister-in-law, Bernita Baird and husband, Bud, of St. Louis; sister-in-law, Bonnie Ford of Pocahontas; brother-in-law, Carl Hatley of Corning; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

A time of visitation and funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006, at the Ermert Funeral Home in Corning with Rev. Charles Carrens officiating. Burial will be in Pirtle Cemetery in Peach Orchard.

Ermert Funeral Home of Corning is in charge of the arrangements.