Betty Hamilton
February 22, 2014
Betty A. Hamilton went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 22, 2014 at Mill-Pond Care Center in Ankeny. Born in Knoxville, IA on May 31, 1926, Betty grew up in Gosport and lived in Des Moines most of her life. Betty met and later married the boy next door. After graduating in 1943 with the last graduating class of West High (which was also the first graduating class of Des Moines Technical High), she resided at Esther Hall, a single women’s residence in Des Moines while working. She married Donald Robert Hamilton, in 1946 and they were married almost 61 years. A homemaker and day care provider most of her life, Betty was also a leader for the Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls. She and Don served on local, state, and national levels of foster parenting organizations and opened their hearts and home to approximately 30 foster children. Betty also loved caring for children at Wee Care Center at Union Park Baptist Church for 27 years -- until she was 75 years old. The family attended Evangelical Covenant Church for many years and Betty currently was a member of Union Park Baptist Church. Betty was an active volunteer in the Awana program. She found joy in her faith, grandchildren, traveling, porcelain doll-making, and crafts.
Betty is survived by her loving family - Nancy (Bill) Routt of Grimes, IA, Beverly (Rob) Madsen of New Hope, MN, Robert Hamilton of Des Moines, Donna (Tim) Kelley of Minnetonka, MN, and Tina (Donald) Britt of Des Moines; brother, Richard Brees; sister, Sandra Thompson; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Hamilton; her parents, Chauncey and Opal (Hart) Brees; sisters, Bonnie (Brees) Leonard and Beverly Brees; and great-grandson, Nash Anousis.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening and from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Friday afternoon at Hamilton’s Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral at Highland Memory Gardens.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
kristin hazelett
02/28/2014
So thankul for the giving heart of this woman. She raised a terrific daughter, my friend Tina. May you celebrate her life even through the sorrow of this painful separation. You will be united in heaven.
Michelle Jones
02/26/2014
Tina and family: Our deepest sympathy to you and yours. I have such fond memories of your parents. I remember our trip to Hawaii in the 70's. Since the passing of your dad, your mom has kept in touch with annual Christmas cards. When my card to her was returned this year, I worried about her health. Your post here brought a tear to my eye ... I understand the special bond you had with your mother. She is still with you, always in your heart. Take care~Missy
Richard Brees
02/26/2014
My sister was a wonderful woman, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She gave a lot of her time to helping others, and many former foster children got their start thanks to her tireless care. Heaven has welcomed her home to live happily with her husband and family that had gone on before her. She will be sorely missed by all of us left behind, but we all know we will be re-united with her some future day. Enjoy your new life, Sis. Love ya.
Ron Leonard and Mary Weiss
02/25/2014
I know your mom is dancing in the clouds with her sisters husband and other relatives preceding her. I'm sure the angels are happy for the gift they just received and the days will never be the same down here again, but we will never lose the memories.
Elaine Inhofer Wencl McManigle
02/25/2014
W'e're friends of Beverly, Rob, and their beautiful family, we'd heard Bev and Rob speak so lovingly of their parents. To read about all the lives that Betty touched is wonderful. Love, Elaine, Mike...and Phil
Paula (Brees) Burk, David Burk & Sam Smeltser
02/25/2014
Our deepest condolences to my cousins and their families during this time of loss. Aunt Betty was a wonderful woman and we had many great memories from the times we spent with her. I'm glad she's been reunited with her husband, grandson, sisters and parents, but sorry for the great loss we'll feel down here for many years to come. Rest in peace, Aunt Betty, and know you're missed and loved!
Joyce Bernard Tuttle
02/25/2014
Aunt Betty will be missed by so many. She was a loving mother and was always so proud of all her children. I will always remember the fun we had at your house when we were young children. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Tammy Thompson
02/24/2014
Betty will be missed by many.. always enjoyed visiting with her, she was a very special lady. Praying comfort and peace for your family
Lori Brees (niece of Betty)
02/24/2014
My deepest condolences, thoughts, prayers and love go out to all of my cousins, in the loss of your Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Aunt Betty was a wonderful woman, always smiling, laughing, and gave so much love to so many foster kids, and other lives that she touched. I will miss her so very much. I love you all and am so sorry that I can't be there in person. My thoughts are there with you all during this very difficult time.
Deb McDonald
02/24/2014
Tina and family, though I did not know your mother I am so very happy that you all had the time to be with mom and to allow her to now spend the rest of her life with GOD! My thoughts are with you Tina. Deb
Bev Davis
02/24/2014
Tina & family: I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She sounds like a very special lady and I'm so glad that you were able to have all the time with her over the past few weeks. Know that you have others around you to give you support as you need it! The love is everlasting. Bev
Tina Britt
02/23/2014
All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe it to you my Mother.
Thank you for loving me Mom, for caring for me. For choosing me, for making me your "special" baby.
Being chosen into your family after being a foster baby then being adopted is pretty "special." You were and are a beautiful lady. I dont know if I told you that often enough. Somehow, I hope you know.
I will love and miss you forever Mom!
You baby girl... Tina