Obituary

Rose Hamilton, a retired purchasing professional and longtime Ohio resident, passed away peacefully at home on September 6, 2025, after a long illness. 

Born on July 25, 1948, in Elkhorn City, Kentucky, to Jake and Edith Easterling, Rose grew up in the Appalachian Mountains where her father worked as a coal miner and her mother devoted herself to family and community through the local VISTA program. Rose was baptized at the Poorbottom Freewill Baptist Church near her childhood home, near the same location where she planned annual family reunions later in life. 

In the late 1960s, Rose married R.B. Hamilton and moved to Ohio, where they raised two sons. She was a devoted mother, deeply involved in her children’s schooling and extracurricular activities. Professionally, Rose found her calling in Purchasing, primarily within the manufacturing and printing industries. She worked for several companies, including Hooven and Allison in Xenia, where her keen ability to understand business needs and identify cost-saving opportunities set her apart. Later, she earned certification as a medical assistant and transitioned into healthcare, first in medical supply purchasing and later in home healthcare.

Rose retired early to care for her mother, Edith, who spent her final decade living with Rose and her longtime partner, Jayne Wead, in Xenia. With Jayne’s steadfast support and the help of dedicated caregivers, Rose ensured her mother’s comfort and happiness for the remainder of her life.

In their younger days, Rose and Jayne were often found rehabbing a series of rental houses in Kentucky and Xenia, where Rose tackled much of the work herself, including plumbing and carpentry. She also delighted in her own home, creating beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Rose was particularly proud of the chicken coop she built, which still shelters a flock of laying hens to this day.

An excellent seamstress and thrifter, Rose was the family’s go-to for anything that needed to be sewn, mended, found used, or created by hand. Indisputably a talented cook, Rose’s holiday and birthday family meals were much-anticipated. Guests always left with a mountain of leftovers to enjoy after the fact.

Rose’s boundless energy and generosity were shared even more widely. She particularly enjoyed volunteering at the Xenia Fish Food Pantry, where, among other duties, she faithfully collected and delivered an entire vanload of white bread each week. 

Above all, Rose was known for her unconditional love, industrious spirit, and enthusiasm for life. As she often said at the close of each day, “I love my life.” She truly did, and she lived it with care, dignity, and grace.

Rose is survived by her partner of 38 years, Jayne Wead, Xenia, OH; her son, Mark Harlan Hamilton (Anna Hess), Athens, OH; her two sisters, Sue Ella Kobak (Dr Art Van Zee) of Virginia and Peggy Lorr Poole of South Carolina; her brother, J.D. Easterling (Angie) of Kentucky; her sisters-in-law, Nancy McKinney (Mac), Karen Brooks (Dennis), and Carol Bradley all of Xenia. Many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Special thanks go to our dear friend and Dr., Helena Duque and her family, The Hospice of Dayton staff who never missed a beat, Sherry & Kayle.   A warm appreciation to our nephews Kane Bradley, Zane Bradley, and Casey Lorr, and nieces Jessica Bowman and Brandi Sink, whose help and visits brightened Rose’s final months.

Rose was predeceased by her youngest son, Dirk D. Hamilton of Phoenix, AZ, and her ex-husband, R.B. Hamilton of Dayton, OH.

Rose’s family and friends in both Kentucky and Ohio remained close throughout her life, and all remember the warmth, generosity, and love she shared so freely. She leaves behind not only cherished memories but also a living legacy of resilience, creativity, and joy—a life well lived and deeply loved.