Ralph Hatley

As Aniishinabe we are all just spirit having human experience.  

When our human experience is over our original mother, Mother Earth, who nourishes our body in life, reclaims our physical form and Our original Father, Gichi Manido(our Creator), takes our spirit and returns us to our place of origin, the spirit world. 

Sonny is done with his human experience. But he is still here, guiding us now, from the Spirit world along with our Ancestors and our Creator, Gichi Manido.

“Sonny” Ralph G. Hatley 61, of Yuma, Arizona died unexpectedly on June 16, 2022

Sonny’s loss was completely unexpected and tragic. The family is shocked, deeply saddened and just shattered.

Sonny was born on November 8, 1960 to Delores Gullickson and Ralph A Hatley in Gresham, OR.

Sonny, who as Anishinaabe, is a tribal member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. His research and hard work was instrumental in helping his grandmother Virginia, his aunts, uncles and cousins get enrolled into their respective tribes. He was proud of his Native American culture. 

Sonny aka NDN Sonny had an immense passion for riding motorcycles and was a member of the Warlocks MC. 

Anyone who knew Sonny, can attest to how funny he was. But, the best part about him was how big his heart was and that is why he had so many friends from so many walks of life.

Sonny was preceded in death by his Maternal grandparents John and Virginia Peterson, his Paternal grandmother Gwen Osborn(Leonard). His Uncles Richard Peterson, Danny Hatley, Alan Hatley, Ray Rogers & Dennis Davis. 

His cousins Deanne Peterson, Candy Peterson & Dale Rogers. 

He is survived by his mother Delores Gullickson (née Peterson), his father Ralph Hatley, his sister Cheryl Lynn Hatley and most importantly his children Robert Hatley, Amber Hakola(Vinnie Verdoni), Nakota Hatley, Sadie Hatley and Shantee Hatley. 

He also has 7 amazing grandchildren Marianne, Abdoulaye-Sonny, Liam, Josie, Jada, Gabriel and Greydon. A nephew Tyler, a niece Tesla Butcher, as well as grandnephews Talon & Weston.

He is also survived by his significant other of 14 years Jill Jackson. 

As well as his aunts & uncles, Linly Peterson(Delores) , Patricia Rogers, Phyllis Fisher(Jerry), Joan Wales(Greg), John Peterson(Claire),  Nadine Davis, Terry Peterson(Robin) and 12•1st cousins. 

Sonny’s family and friends will miss him and his amazing laugh more than words can say. Nishinaabeg do not have a word for “goodbye.” We say, “baamaapii, g’gaa waabaamin miinwaa,” which means “until later, see you again.”

Gaye n’gii dezhisesii wii n’moonaa baamaapii•Gaawiin n’gii gikendsiin geskina wii maajayin•Aachigwo g’gaa metsinin baamaapii miinwaa•G’gaa tkweshkodaadimi

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Hatley, please visit our floral store.