Shirley Ann Hamilton

She touched countless hearts with her kindness and generosity of spirit.

Shirley Ann Hamilton, 92, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 9, 2025. She was born on April 22, 1933, on her family farm in DeKalb County, Indiana (Town of Hamilton), daughter of Harold and Alice (Ridge) Newcomer. Shirley lived a long life characterized by warmth, inclusivity, and unwavering love for those around her.

Early Life and Adventures

Growing up on the family farm, Shirley developed a strong work ethic while still finding time for joy and laughter. After graduating from Hamilton High School, she and her older sister Barb embarked on an adventure across the country to Phoenix, Arizona, where they began exciting new lives as independent young women.

It was in Phoenix that Shirley met David A. Hamilton, who was completing officers training at Williams Air Force Base. Dave was pursuing his goal of becoming a USAF fighter pilot. Following Dave's graduation from pilot school in Texas, the couple married, and Shirley proudly joined the ranks of USAF Officers' wives.

Family Life

As they traveled across the country with the Air Force, Shirley and Dave welcomed three children.

After Dave retired from the Air Force in 1974, the family settled permanently in Belton, Missouri, in a house they had purchased in 1968. Dave joined his father Stanley B Hamilton and brother Steve in running MidAmerica Travel Service, beginning a new chapter in their lives.

Shirley was deeply involved in the Officers Wives Club and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother. In the mid-1970s, she began a successful career as an Avon Lady, connecting with and serving her community.

Passions and Interests

Shirley found joy in numerous activities throughout her life – from bowling and playing bridge to gardening and bird watching. She took great pleasure in cooking and baking for her family and friends. Her apple pie was legendary, often requested at family gatherings and community events. Her commitment to physical wellness was evident and earned her the title “Grandma Atlas” among her family. She participated in everything from television workouts in the 70s to Aqua Aerobics and Senior Center activities at John Knox Village, which she continued into her 90s.

Shirley was very involved with her grandchildren's lives, taking them to museums and on nature walks.

Together with Dave, Shirley traveled extensively throughout America during his military service and globally after his retirement. Their journeys enriched their lives and broadened their perspectives, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity and respect for all people regardless of background, race, or religion—values they instilled deeply in their children.

Faith and Community

Faith was a cornerstone of Shirley's life. She found strength and purpose in her religious community.

In 2019, Shirley and Dave moved to Lee's Summit, Missouri. After Dave's passing in 2020, Shirley continued to forge new friendships in her community while cherishing time with her expanding family, especially delighting in her role as a great-grandmother.

Family

Shirley was preceded in death by her sisters Lois Johnson (Reynold) and Barb Taylor (Jim).

She is survived by:

Her brother Dale Newcomer (Karen)

Her children:

• Denise Ayers (Maurice)
• Greg Hamilton (Lisa)
• Rick Hamilton (Sheila)

Her grandchildren:

• Kathleen Wolford (Nick)
• Brian Ayers (Sarah)
• Clara Ehrenburg (Dylan)
• Derek Hamilton (Afton)
• Blake Hamilton

Her great-grandchildren:

• Arthur Wolford
• Noah Ayers
• Isaac Ayers
• Ander Tullgren
• Brooks Hamilton

Her brother-in-law Steve Hamilton and family

Numerous nieces and nephews

Services

Services for Shirley Ann Hamilton will be held on August 22, 2025, at Wesley Chapel - Church of the Resurrection (13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS). Visitation begins at 1:00 pm CT, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm. After the service, interment and a graveside ceremony will take place at Longview Cemetery (12700 Raytown Road, Kansas City, MO).

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral service will be streamed online. To access the livestream, please visit www.cor.org/memorialsonline up to 30 minutes before the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Donations can be made online at www.dav.org/donate or by mail to: DAV, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Please include "In memory of Shirley Ann Hamilton" in the memo line.