Ruth Anna Marie Hamilton

Ruth Anna Marie (Diener) Hamilton
1922-2015

Ruth Hamilton, age 93, a lifelong resident of Pigeon, was given the gift of eternal life on Sunday, October 4, 2015. She was a stalwart of faith and love to all who knew and met her.

Ruth was born April 27, 1922 in Pigeon, the only child gifted to Magdalene and Godfrey Diener. She was home-schooled by her mother until the 3rd grade and then attended Cross Lutheran School. In 1939, she graduated from Pigeon High School as the salutatorian of her class.

On her birthday April 27, 1946 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Gene Hamilton, by Rev. E.G. Richter at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon. Their faithful commitment brought 59 years of love and laughter!

Ruth was an active part of Cross Lutheran Church and School. The roots of Cross began with her grandfather, Reverend Richard Praetorius, who established the church in 1891. Pastor Praetorius offered a room of his own home for the beginnings of the school and it was used as a school for 14 years. That was the home Ruth and Gene lived in their entire life. Because of her faith and love of the Lord, Ruth served faithfully in the church. She was a member of the Altar Guild and often supplied the altar with the abundance of flowers she grew and arranged from her gardens. Her teaching skills led her to instruct children about Jesus in Sunday school for 40 years. Active in recording and documenting the history of Cross Lutheran, Ruth left future generations with an appreciation for the heritage they are given. Ruth taught 4-H for 15 years and along with Gene, were members of the Pigeon Historical Society. She loved using her talents to create crocheted and tatted gifts for family and friends.

Ruth is survived by one son, Robert Hamilton and his wife Mary (Guster) of Rockford, Michigan; two daughters, Betty Auernhamer and her husband David of Frankenmuth, and Mary Otto and her husband Michael of Pigeon; eight grandchildren: Tony Hamilton and his wife Genise, Andrea Coe and her husband Matt, Jason Auernhamer, Lisa Kerns and her husband Phill, Renee Przystas and her husband Scott, Adam Auernhamer, Tracy Polega and her husband Brandon, and Jeff Otto; nine great grandchildren: Angela, Audrey, AJ, Ezra, Brayden, Grant, Ellie, Mallory and Calyx; and lifelong friend, Arthur "Bud" Luedtke. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Gene and one beloved son, John.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Cross Lutheran Church, Pigeon, with Reverend Tim Loehrke officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cross Lutheran Church or Cross Lutheran School.

VISITATION AT CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, PIGEON:
Wednesday, October 7 9:30 a.m. until the service at 11:30 a.m.