Dolores LaVonn Hamilton

DOLORES LAVONNE HAMILTON August 17, 1928 ~ January 29, 2015 Dolores LaVonne Hamilton, died on Jan. 29, 2015. Matriarch of the West family, she was born on Aug. 17, 1928 in Red Willow, NE to Betty (Johnson) Feuerstein and Henry Feuerstein. She grew up in Cheyenne, WY. She had been a long term resident of Vancouver, WA. While a child herself, Dolores was required to help care for her younger siblings. Her innate nature became one of self-sacrifice and a consummate desire to nurture and always place the needs of her family above her own. She did this with great love her entire life. She had fond memories of the childhood summers she spent on the family farm in Albin, WY. Dolores' love was action incarnate, always available to help without hesitation. She lived a life of many challenges and hardships with great inner strength, dignity and unwavering faith which she instilled in her five children whom she raised virtually alone. Widowed twice, Dolores first wed Roy West, "the love of my life". Thus began the travel adventures of an Army couple. Roy and Dolores had five children. Roy and son Roygene preceded her in death. Dolores later married Edwin Hamilton who loved and was loved by her children and grandchildren. Ed died in 1994. Dolores was a staunch unyielding fighter on the side of right. A fierce competitor when playing backgammon, she was not the most gracious loser. Among her talents and attributes were: wisdom, spiritual strength, natural abilities in managing personal finances (she could squeeze a penny into a dollar). She had a beautiful voice and would often sing in her home. She loved to dance (tap, ballroom, square dancing). She had been a natural shoe model with Cinderella feet. Among her interests were: crocheting, square dancing, playing games with family members and family gatherings. Common sayings of hers were: "coulda, shoulda, woulda" and to end disputes among her children, she would say "Kings X". As she neared the end of her life, she was lovingly, and with great respect, cared for by her granddaughters, Wendy Olivera and Heather Corn. Dolores is survived by her four sisters; and her children, Sharon Jacobs, Weldon West, Rebecca Lesher and Michael (Nancy) West. Dolores, "Nana", will be greatly missed by her 29 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren. Fly free sweet Butterfly! We will miss you terribly Mama and love you more. Services will be Sat., Feb. 7, 2015 at St. Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8701 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA. Rosary at 10:30 a.m., Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Dolores LaVonn Hamilton

August 17, 1928 - January 29, 2015