Ruth Elain (Hammonds) Hamilton, 75, North Manchester, formerly of DeLand Florida, passed away on October 24, 2023, at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. The daughter of Herman Leslie and Helen Louise (Baker) Hammonds, Ruth was born in Wabash on October 8, 1948.
A few months after graduating from Manchester High School in 1966, Ruth married the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” Hamilton on June 17, 1966. Ruth returned to school in 1983 at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked around the area for a few years until she and Ted moved to Florida in 1987, where she lived until 2022. While living in Florida, Ruth was an LPN in pediatrics, serving in home healthcare for special needs children before retiring in 2005. On July 3, 2021, Ruth lost her best friend and partner in life when Ted passed away.
A servant of the Lord, Ruth was a member of Sanctuary Church in DeLand, Florida. She was always willing to minister, and though Ruth and Ted never had biological children, they felt called to become foster parents for many children over the years. Ruth loved each child dearly, and two held a very special place in her heart. Before moving to Florida, Ruth and Ted did bus ministry for Olive Branch Church of God in Roann in the 1970’s and in the 1980’s had a traveling singing ministry. They were always willing to help with children’s programs, Sunday School, volunteered for church camp, and assisted with food bank at their church.
The loving memory of Ruth Hamilton will be forever cherished by her brothers, Dr. Max (Cari) Hammonds, Hendersonville, North Carolina and Roger Lee Hammonds Sr., Conro, Texas; sisters, Marty Quance, Warsaw and Susie Scott, Silver Lake; foster daughter, Kathy (Ronald J) Hensley, Muncie; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Herman Leslie Hammonds and Helen Louise Hammonds Rothston; husband, Theodore “Ted” Hamilton; and foster daughter, Candy “Mylie” Olson.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Peabody Chapel, 400 West 7th Street, North Manchester. Burial will take place following the service at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester. Pastor Brian Richie will officiate.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Ruth Hamilton, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics, 110 South Wabash Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992 or Daniel’s Place, 113 West Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Ruth Hamilton has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com