Brenda Jo Hamilton, 72

Brenda Jo Hamilton, 72, passed away peacefully in her home on Oct. 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 seven 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 two children with Max McCoy, Brian McCoy on July 6, 1968, and Kimberly McCoy on July 9, 1971. She married her husband, Fred Hamilton, on Aug. 24, 1985 in Las Vegas. 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 snowbirds. They eventually made Columbia Falls 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.

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 stepdaughter, Christine Nelson of Corsicana, Texas; her siblings, Pam Winchester, Teri Schroeder, Defour 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, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. at the VFW Post 276 in Whitefish.

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

Online condolences may be submitted on Brenda’s tribute page at www.austinfh.com