Melba Sue Hatchett Winter Green

Melba Sue Hatchett Winter Green

July 17, 1938 – October 31, 2026

“Sunshine on My Shoulder Makes Me Happy” by John Denver

I arrived in Hawaii in 1978 and felt at home. The bright, sunny days and fantastic scenery, just sitting on a beach watching the tide come in, were enough for me. I felt so blessed to live on Oahu, play tennis, make good friends, and get good jobs. Such Happy, Happy Days!

My life was incredible because I played in major tennis tournaments almost every weekend. Our excellent tennis club at Barbers Point offered weekend fun with friends and food. Highlights of my tennis career in Hawaii included Hawaii’s Over 40 State Champions in singles and doubles and the 1993 National Team Senior Champions.

I also enjoyed many other adventures, such as hiking, snorkeling, searching for shells on the beach, attending musical concerts at the Waikiki Shell, attending authentic Luaus with friends, traveling to the outer islands, or simply sitting on the beach and talking with friends.

I married Wesley Green, III, on June 4, 1983, on the tennis courts in Fort Myers, Virginia. After his tour of duty at the Pentagon, we returned to Hawaii, where I became a GS-14 Technical Advisor for the operational systems supporting the command center at Fort Shafter.

We purchased land in Makaha Valley and built a beautiful home overlooking the golf course and the ocean. We planted kumquats, papayas, avocados, grapefruit, tangerines, oranges, bananas, coconuts, a vegetable and herb garden, a bromeliad garden, oleander, bougainvillea hedges, and flowers of all kinds. In retirement, I hoped to pick fruit daily and take it to the beach to help feed people without homes.

During our final years in Hawaii, we moved to Honolulu and lived in a condominium near Ala Mona Beach Park. We loved the relaxed lifestyle and continued doing what we enjoyed: duplicate bridge, tennis, gym workouts, hiking, swimming in the ocean, walking everywhere in Waikiki, shopping, attending theaters, and dining out at the three shopping malls within blocks of our home. We departed Hawaii for the last time in September 2013, heading to San Antonio, Texas.

Now, flashback to the beginning! I was born in Cordell, Oklahoma. I remember the love from my mom, dad, older brother, Hatchett grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

My ancestors were Oklahoma pioneers who homesteaded in the “Sooner” State. When I was ten, we moved to Neosho, Missouri (I later realized it was my parents’ Hawaii –

with beautiful springs, creeks, and trees). I loved the outdoors and could walk or ride my bike safely. At Neosho High School, I was proud to play on the “Wildcats” tennis team. I kept in touch with wonderful friends from both towns. Oh! What high school years I had – I love you, dear friends.

After high school, I realized there was plenty of love but little money, so I began saving for college. I worked a variety of jobs, including babysitting, picking strawberries, waitressing, and working as a drugstore clerk, but my favorite job was at the Neosho Public Library.

I had four beautiful years at the University of Arkansas. I loved everything about college life—the classes, athletic events, and dorm life. I worked 20-40 hours a week, supplemented by small scholarships and summer jobs, and always managed to make it work. I even graduated a semester early.

My most fantastic summer job was as a lifeguard at Camp Galilee in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. I loved those summers. When the pool was closed, I worked seven days a week wherever the camp needed me. I will always be grateful to the Methodist Church for that opportunity.

While working in El Dorado Springs, I met Norman Winter, a college student in Springfield, Missouri. I received my master’s degree in education in January 1960. I moved to Springfield and taught advanced mathematics at Central High School. Norman and I were married that Christmas.

Our military life began after Norman graduated and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. We lived in our first Army housing in San Marcos, Texas, and I attended Southwest Texas State. I had a great semester. I played number one on the 1962 tennis team and earned multiple track-and-field awards in hurdles, sprints, high jump, and broad jump.

We traveled to France, England, Spain, Gibraltar, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. This experience opened our eyes to the world. Vietnam was terrible for the nation and for Army families, and it significantly affected our family. I was grateful to Norman and our daughter Karen for our years together.

My proudest achievement is my daughter, Karen Lee Winter, born at Bergstrom AFB in Texas in 1963. Karen became a pediatrician and married Andrew Fowler, a West Point officer. She served as an Army doctor for seven years before having four exceptional children ─ Rhiannon, Hannah, Megan, and Matthew. They have accomplished amazing things and brought great joy to my life.

Wes and I returned to the mainland and relocated to San Antonio, Texas, in 2013. We first lived downtown on the Riverwalk for three years, then moved to an active-adult retirement community, The Towers on Park Lane, in 2016. The Towers provided a safe, secure environment for our retirement years. Wes was busy with the church and with Towers’ business. I was grateful for the new friends we made and the large, warm indoor pool; however, I dreamed of Hawaii.

Sunshine and Happy Trails to All!