Belva Hamilton

Belva Hamilton, 102, of Marshall passed away August 6, 2015 at Emerald Forest Assisted Living in Marshall.Belva was born on October 31, 1912 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to Sivert and Anna (Olsen) Akre. She graduated from Sault St. Marie High School with the class of 1931. Belva married Orval E. Hamilton on July 3, 1931 in Sault St. Marie. They celebrated 70 years of marriage together. He preceded her in death on December 22, 2001.Belva previously worked as an Invoice Clerk at City Bank in Albion for 4 years before starting her career at Hayes-Albion Corporation in Albion. She retired in 1974 after 15 years with the company.Belva became a member of the United Methodist Church at the age of 14 and took part in its Esther Circle. She was a devout member of the church for 50 years. Belva also served as Sault Township Treasurer in Sault St. Marie for 10 years before moving to Marshall in the mid-1950's, she was a member of the Ladies of the Moose Lodge 676, as well as a member of the Monday Club. Belva liked to sew, crochet afghans, play cards, and play scrabble. She also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, and most of all, spending time with her family!Belva is survived by her son, Gerald (Joyce) Hamilton of Roscommon; daughters, Delaine M. Aikins of Marshall, and Marian King of Lapeer; 8 grandchildren; five great greandchildren several nieces and nephews; and her special friends, Bob and Sandy McAuliffe. She was preceded in death by her husband; 4 sisters, Myrtle Rose, Mildred Peake, Irene Todd, and Thelma Mullins; and 4 brothers, Joseph Akre, Olaf Akre, Alvin Akre, and Leslie Vickery; son-in-laws Wayne P. Aikins and David King.Visitation will take place at the Craig Kempf Funeral Home, 723 US 27 North, Marshall Chapel of August 14, 2015 from 5-7pm. A service celebrating Belva's life will take place at the funeral home on August 15, 2015 at 11am with Reverend Pat Bromberek officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall. A Luncheon will follow the committal service in the Kempf Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to the United Methodist Church or Great Lakes Hospice. Assistance with memorial contributions is available at the Craig Kempf Funeral Home.