Betty Jane Hamilton

Betty Jane Hamilton of West Bloomfield, formerly of Sullivan, Indiana was born November 18, 1923 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Milo Raymond and Bertha Elizabeth Matilda (nee: Fischer) Fortune. She died January 5, 2023 at the age of 99.

Mrs. Hamilton is the beloved wife of 34 years to the late John Lowell Hamilton (d. 1981). Loving mother of Cathy (the late Gerald Aunet) Hamilton, John “Russ” (the late Stacie) Hamilton and Ray (Heidi) Hamilton. Grandmother of Crystal (Mike), Craig (Dawn), Carrie (Kevin), Jenny, Brianna (Nick) and Max. Great grandmother of Makenzie (Nolan),Caden and Zach. In addition to her immediate family, she is also survived by an extended family of step-grandchildren, great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

Betty enlisted in the US Navy during WWII and served from January 1944 until April 1946.  She was stationed at Defoe Shipyard in Bay City, MI and was one of the first two enlisted women there.  After the war ended, she remained in Bay City, where she participated in the decommissioning of the shipyard.  During her service she achieved the rank of Yeoman 1st Class.

Betty received her B.S. in Business from Indiana University in 1949, and was a lifelong Hoosiers basketball fan.  After moving to Sullivan, IN she was employed by the

Sullivan County Welfare Department, where she served as a social worker, supervisor and assistant director.  After her retirement, Betty was honored by being named a Sagamore of the Wabash.  She was also a member of the Selective Service System (draft board) until it was dissolved in 1976, and a member of the board of the Covered Bridge Girl Scout Council for several years.

A memorial service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 340 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake (3 Blks. S. of Maple Rd.) Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11 AM. Friends may visit 10 AM until time of service. Memorials to the Disabled American Veterans appreciated.

Burial will take place at Center Ridge Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday April 14, 2023.

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