Brenda Jo Hamilton, age 72, passed away peacefully in her home on October 10, 2022 in Columbia Falls. Brenda was born in Vandalia, Illinois on April 7, 1950 to Patricia Thompson and Frank Krost. She was the second of 7 children.
Brenda spent much of her childhood in Illinois and Wyoming. She enjoyed sunshine, warm weather, and being with her friends and family. She spent much of her work life in the hospitality industry. Her smile, infectious laugh, and caring spirit was evident to all she encountered. She loved to help others and talk about anything and everything.
Brenda had 2 children with Max McCoy, Brian McCoy on July 6, 1968 and Kimberly McCoy on July 9, 1971. She married her husband, Fred Hamilton, on August 24, 1985 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they lived in the many places that the military sent them like California and New Mexico. They settled in Tacoma, Washington for almost 20 years before becoming snow birds. They eventually made Columbia Falls, Montana home in 2011.
In her retirement, she spent extended parts of her time in Yuma, Arizona where she made many lifelong friends in her beloved sunshine. She loved Mexican food, hosting dances, and going for scenic car rides with her husband and dog, Bear. She was a life member of the VFW Post 276 Auxiliary in Whitefish, Montana.
Brenda has been reunited through death with her son, Brian McCoy of Jonesboro, Arkansas; and her parents, Patricia of Low, Arizona and Frank of St, Elmo, Illinois; and Max McCoy of Jacksonville, Arkansas.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Hamilton of Columbia Falls; her daughter, Kim Leger of Bonney Lake, Washington; her step-daughter, Christine Nelson of Corsicana, Texas; her siblings Pam Winchester, Teri Schroeder, Debbie Ver Straten, Nancy Mondoux, Mike Krost, and John Krost; and her 4 grandchildren, Lauren Hansen and Jacob Leger of Bonney Lake, Washington, and Katie and Mollie McCoy of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Brenda will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, November 19 at 3:00pm at the VFW Post 276 in Whitefish, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the VFW Post 276 Auxiliary.
Brenda, you will be very missed. We love you. -Fred and Bear
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