University News
Frances M. Hamilton Obituary
March 31, 2026
MACOMB, IL - - Frances M. Hamilton, 90, of Macomb, a devoted community member and longtime supporter of Western Illinois University, passed away March 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, faith and care for others.
Born on May 2, 1935, in Baltimore, MD, to William and Ruth E. (Farr) Merriken, she carried a lifelong commitment to helping others. She married Donald K. Hamilton of Augusta, IL, on August 12, 1955. He preceded her in death after 66 years of marriage.
Frances and her husband made their home in Macomb, where they raised their family and became deeply involved in the community. As a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church of Macomb, she served as both a deacon and elder, often visiting the sick and elderly and actively participating in church life, including the Presbyterian Circle. Known for her love of baking, she also managed the kitchen for the church's rummage sales.
Frances extended her service beyond the church as a Candy Striper volunteer at McDonough District Hospital during the 1960s and 1970s. In later years, she brought her compassion and organizational talents to Western Illinois University, where she worked closely with international students and their families, helping them adjust to life in Macomb. One of her most cherished contributions was coordinating the annual International Bazaar.
She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and nurturing spirit, as well as for the care she showed to family, friends and community members alike often expressed through her baking, especially her well-loved rhubarb pie.
Frances is survived by her children, Ada (Rich) Neighbors, Debbie (Nick) Smith, Ted Hamilton, Tiger (Sonya) Hamilton and Amy (Josh) Hopkins; 18 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; daughter-in-law Ardis Iron Cloud-Hamilton; grandson Brian Edward Baird; and sister Elizabeth Wilsey.
She will be remembered by the many family members, friends and community members whose lives she touched.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at First Presbyterian Church of Macomb, with burial at Augusta Cemetery.
For more information or to leave condolences, visit dodsworthfh.com/obituaries/Frances-M-Hamilton?obId=47894670.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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