Mary Hamilton

A loving mother, with a passion for her grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Hamilton was an extraordinary woman. From a difficult childhood emerged a talented and giving woman. She was a hard worker with a deep love for her family. Every relationship was important to her.

Lancaster, Ohio is located approximately 33 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio. It is and has been the center of a rich agricultural region and the birthplace of several famous Americans. General William T. Sherman, famous Civil War General, was born in Lancaster, as was his equally famous brother, John Sherman, father of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. For Joseph and Clara (Augg) Myers, life was certainly not about being rich and famous. Joseph was in the Army during World War II and after the war supported his wife and family as a carpenter and handyman. Clara had her hands full caring for their home and their twelve children. One of the twelve was a beautiful baby girl, born on April 30, 1943. Named Mary Elizabeth, Mary spent her childhood surrounded by brothers Donald, Ronald, John, and Joseph “Jr.”, and sisters Mable, Judy, Betty, Mary Jane, Florence, Marg and Ruth Ann.

Life was not always easy for Mary and her family. Money was scarce and everyone pitched in to do his or her part. Mary worked as a waitress at several different places, helping to support the large family. She later moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan and found employment doing seasonal work at area greenhouses and at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds. Mary liked to keep busy and could always find something to do.

In 1976, she met a neighbor who lived across the street. His name was Leonard Hamilton. A strong friendship developed and soon blossomed into true love. Mary and Leonard were married on September 13, 1979 – Leonard’s birthday – in the backyard of her home. It was a simple but wonderful ceremony.

Leonard found employment at Goodwill Industries as did Mary for a short time. She then went to Humphrey Products, where with her strong work ethic, she performed a variety of odds and ends job. She was very humble and never tooted her own horn, however, her children describe her as a master of loving, giving, never judging anyone and always there to listen with an open ear and heart.

She and Leonard didn’t travel very much, but Mary did go on a Disney trip and had a memorable time in Las Vegas. Oh, how she loved those slot machines! Her favorite place to be was at home with her family. When holidays or birthdays came around, Mary always gave you your present early and then told you to “act surprised” when you opened it. Her home was truly a home – open to all who entered, friends, family, anyone.

As hard as she worked, Mary could always find time for fun. She played bingo at least three times a week, and for many years enjoyed bowling, stopping only when arthritis slowed her down. She had always been good with her hands and loved to crochet, using plastic canvas, and making key chains with beads. Once she started a jigsaw puzzle, she would be up for days, diligently working until it was completed. She liked the handheld video games, doing crossword puzzles, and listening to country music. She especially liked the sounds of the Oakridge Boys, the Statler Brothers and the Country Gospel sounds on Sunday mornings. But her favorite pastime was slot machines. Whether traveling to Michigan City to the Blue Chip Casino, or any other casino, Mary could be found pushing the buttons on a penny or nickel slot.

Mary had always liked the outdoors – particularly if she could be barefoot – from fishing to just walking around the block with her grandkids and taking them to the neighborhood store – she always let them pick something. She enjoyed visiting and socializing with all her neighbors and anyone that she had seen on the block to learn the latest neighborhood news.

Life was too short to “act your age” and Mary was not afraid to do silly, crazy things – she loved life. And she loved “stuff”. Somewhat of a pack rat, she loved scouring garage sales and flea markets, looking for new treasures. Blessed with a giant heart, whatever Mary had, she was always ready to share with others.

Mary was always rearranging the furniture and changing things around. She acted as if she was “superwoman” – moving couches, entertainment centers, TV’s and dressers or whatever was twice her size! But every single time she would get it done. If you tried to help her she would always say “No, I can do it.” And she would. Many times her family would come home and the whole room would be changed around. As soon as Leonard and the kids walked in the house she would say “Come see the bedroom, do you like it?” or “Look what I did” and her family would just smile and give a little chuckle and tell her how nice it was.

A big part of her life focused on those in need. When someone was in hospital or ill she would go to be by their side to help them, no matter how long they were there. She would bring her little bag of “stuff” and make a pallet by their bed so she could do whatever was needed to make them feel comfortable.

Mary loved Jesus. She would attend church in spurts, but she leaned on God and Jesus for her strength – always. She would pray and when the family all got together she would make sure everyone prayed before the meal. Mary would hang Bible scriptures and spiritual sayings on her china/treasure troll doll cabinet. Some of these included a poster that said “Good morning, this is God I will handling all your problems today. I will not need your help – so relax, have a good day!!!” Another had a picture of a big phone that said “God wants to talk to us. God fills my heart I can make it.” And other’s read “With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 and “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16.

Mary Hamilton was small in stature but larger than life when it came to thinking of others. At times strong-willed and stubborn, she was also good hearted, friendly and outgoing. Willing to give you her last dollar or the shirt off her back, Mary was one of a kind. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her friends and family.

Mary Hamilton, age 64, died April 17, 2008 in Kalamazoo. Learn more about Mary, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Tuesday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 where services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Burial Mt. EverRest Cemetery. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and by 8 siblings: Mable “Peg” Prouty, Judy Kridler, Donald Myers, Ronald Myers, Betty Matrau, John Myers, Mary Jane Myers and Florence Myers. Surviving are her husband of 29 years, Leonard Hamilton; 4 children: Tonia Watkins; Mark Poore; Mary (Paul) Taggart and Wendy Hamilton all of Kalamazoo; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings: Marg Garrard, Joseph “Jr.” Myers and Ruth Ann Nichols; many nieces and nephews; and best friend, Sharon Tielking. Please visit Mary’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial contribution to the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.