Hamilton, Ellen (1916-2008)

HAMILTON, EYRES, KOHL

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/27/2008 at 22:03:40

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, January 29, 2008

Ellen Hamilton, 91, of Le Mars, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, at the Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Ellen Eyres was born Aug. 8, 1916, on the family farm in Union Township, rural Plymouth County, Iowa the daughter of Alfred E. and Bertha (Kohl) Eyres. Ellen was baptized at the Union Township Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Union Consolidated High School in 1936. Ellen was united in marriage to David Hamilton on Jan. 18, 1942, at the Union Township Presbyterian Church.

Ellen and David had lived in Des Moines and later moved to Rock Island, Ill. David was called to duty to serve his country during World War II and Ellen moved back to the farm to live with her parents. Following David's discharge from the service, he returned to join Ellen on the farm and began farming the Eyres farm. David died on March 2, 1978. Ellen continued to live on the farm until June of 2007 when she made her home at the Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Ellen was a very active member of the Union Township Presbyterian Church. She had served as an Elder, church pianist, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a member of the United Presbyterian Women and the Mary Faye Circle. Volunteering at the church was always very important to Ellen. Following the closing of the church, Ellen became a member of the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars.

Ellen enjoyed sewing and embroidery work. She had crafted countless number of towels for the hospital through the years as a project of the U.P.W. She also enjoyed tending to her flowers and attending activities at the Plymouth County Museum. Her greatest joy in life was her children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her three children and families: a daughter Jean Bertram of Ireton and her children, Carolyn Bertram of Ireton, Lori Bertam of Brookings, S.D., and Mark Bertram and his friend Hilary Stinton of Ireton; a son, John Hamilton and his wife Cindy of Chariton, and their children, Susanne Hamilton of Ames, Hilary Masters and her husband Seth of Chariton and their children Stuart and Ellie Jo Masters, and Philip Hamilton of Chariton; and a son, Robert Hamilton of Le Mars.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred E. and Bertha (Kohl) Eyres; her husband, David Hamilton; a daughter, JoEllen in infancy; a son, Thomas David Hamilton; two sisters, Ruth Purse and Blanche Williams; a brother, Ernest Eyres; and a son-in-law, Allan "Bic" Bertram.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with Pastor Dan Krause officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be after 5 p.m. Wednesday, at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation will continue Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Memorials maybe directed to Hospice of Siouxland or the Plymouth County Historical Museum.