Betsy A. Hamilton (1927-2020)

HAMILTON, HEMBD

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/22/2020 at 08:54:18

Betsy A. Hamilton (nee Hembd), passed away suddenly at Bethany Home in Dubuque early October 19. Betsy lived the past 5 years at Sunset Park Place. Good years too. She was happy and enjoyed the family atmosphere. But found herself at Bethany for what turned out to be a short stay.

Born in Chicago on April 9, 1927, she was the daughter of immigrant parents from Germany, Alfred and Bertha Hembd. After graduating from North Park Academy, Betsy found herself in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, attending Iowa Wesleyan College. She met a young man she would soon marry, Cecil Hamilton, Jr., who recently returned to Mt. Pleasant after WWII where he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain from the Army Air Corps.

After four kids and many moves, the family finally settled in for a good long stay in Clinton, Iowa. The children all went from grade school through high school there. The family enjoyed boating on the Mississippi and skiing at Chestnut Mountain Resort.
Along the way Betsy learned to be very accomplished at oil painting as well as a fast knitter, and she had a green thumb and loved to dance. At 46, Betsy became a widow and after taking stock of her life decided, at age 57, to move to Dallas, Texas, to be near her eldest daughter and to start a new adventure. As luck would have it, Betsy was a natural saleswoman which ultimately led to a rewarding career in the high-end jewelry business and was a well-respected member of the Eiseman Jewels sales team. Selling an engagement ring to Troy Aikman and a pretty expensive watch to Willie Nelson, among other notables, were stories we loved to hear about.

Betsy enjoyed working until she was 74 and enough was enough…retired. Not long after, she and her BFF, Frank dined and danced regularly at the hotspots and the two travelled to Europe on 5 different occasions, one adventure better than the other.

Nothing lasts forever and Mom moved to Dubuque to be near her youngest son for what turned out to be 5-1/2 really good years and here is where she took her last breath.

Betsy is survived by her four kids, Cheri (Joe-Denton, TX), Ceci (Burt-Durango), Scott (Marianthe-Philadelphia) and Tom (Karen-Dubuque).

Sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Bethany Home, Hospice of Dubuque, and Sunset Park Place for all of their compassionate care and love.

There will be a private family service at Memorial Cemetery in Clinton where Betsy will join her late husband Cecil.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com