PHYLLIS ESTER HAMILTON age 84 of Richmond died unexpectedly on Friday, April 24, 2009 in Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center in Mount Clemens. Mrs. Hamilton was born to the late Miles Silk and Hazel Jones Redlin on July 13, 1924 in Columbus Township, Michigan where she lived in an extended family, with grandparents near; where sheep grazed in the woods and corn grew in the back field. The apple orchard and creek on their farm was the favorite playground for her and her siblings. She Married William Hamilton in Pontiac on January 13, 1945. Mr. Hamilton died on January 5, 1997. Phyllis was a pre-school teacher in the Utica School system and received an award for the longest serving volunteer in the District. She was a Utica Schools Resident Artist for over thirty years serving each of the Utica elementary schools. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Richmond and served as church historian and taught Sunday School for forty years. Phyllis and her husband and family were solely responsible for the saving and restoration of the "Octagon House", a once endangered national landmark in Washington, Michigan. She was a resident artist to hundreds of children statewide who visited the site. She received the Macomb County Restoration Award for the "Octagon House". She was a member of the Richmond Historical Society and the Garden Club. She had a unique talent to nurture the best in children and through her love touched the lives of thousands. She is survived by her children, David and Linda Hamilton of Richmond, Kenneth and Jacquelyn Hamilton of Shelby Twp., Linda and David Schenburn of Almont and Julie Hamilton of Royal Oak, her brother, Howard and Doris Silk of St. Clair and Dorothy and Francis Fastbender of Yale, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Silk. A funeral will be Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 11:00am in the First United Methodist Church in Richmond. Reverend Trevor Herm, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in Kittridge Cemetery. Visiting will be on Sunday from 5 to 8pm and Monday from 3 to 8pm in Rewalt Funeral Home, Richmond and Tuesday from 10:30 to 11am in the church. Memorial contributions were directed to the Methodist Children's Home.
Visitation
APR
26.
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
Rewalt Funeral Home
68655 Stoecker Lane
Richmond, MI
Visitation
APR
27.
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
Rewalt Funeral Home
68655 Stoecker Lane
Richmond, MI
Service
APR
28.
11:00 AM (EDT)
First United Methodist Church
69495 Main
Richmond, MI