Marcia Y. Hamilton

Marcia Yvonne (Alumbaugh) Hamilton, 83, of Topeka, KS died peacefully on September 19, 2021, in the compassionate care of Lexington Park Assisted Living and Interim Hospice staff, and her daughters, Diane M. Welchhans (Michael) and Barbara A. Hughes (Scott), all of Topeka.

She was born on August 4, 1938 in Topeka, KS to C.B. (Burt) and Z. Meree Alumbaugh.  She was the eldest of their three children.  Her brother David C. Alumbaugh (Linda) of Baton Rouge, LA, and sister Nancy G. Clark (Lawrence), Topeka (formerly Holton) survive.

She attended Tecumseh Grade School and Highland Park High School, where she participated in vocal music and other school activities.  Her favorite teacher/coach was Mr. Lee Dodson who taught her how to play basketball when she was in junior high.  She graduated from Highland Park in 1956 and remained very active in planning reunions and enjoying lifelong friendships with classmates.

Marcia married her high school sweetheart Robert D. (Bob) Hamilton on May 24, 1959 at Highland Park United Methodist Church.  Marcia worked as a secretary for the Menninger Foundation after completing one semester each at Emporia State University and Washburn University.

Upon Bob’s graduation from Washburn University in 1961, they moved to Three Rivers, Michigan when Bob accepted a position in the laboratory of Upjohn Pharmaceuticals.  While there, Marcia worked for Upjohn as a secretary.  There they started their “family” with horses, English Pointers, and a beloved cat.  In 1969, they then moved to Lauderdale Farm in Cambridge, New York where they were able to enjoy more animals and the birth of their elder daughter, Diane Meree.  During their time away from Topeka, Marcia coached a women’s recreational softball team.  In 1976, they returned to Topeka to raise Diane near family.

Their younger daughter, Barbara Ann, was born in Topeka on February 23, 1978.  Marcia attended Highland Park United Methodist Church and eventually Countryside United Methodist Church, where she helped prepare funeral dinners and did other occasional volunteer work.  Our Daily Bread and The Upper Room publications were a permanent fixture at her kitchen table.  Her daughters loved to stand on either side of her during church services and listen to her beautiful voice sing the hymns. She enjoyed bowling, sewing clothes and costumes for her girls, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, frequent gatherings with family and friends, and watching her favorite game shows.  She was a volunteer for Doorstep, Inc. for several years.

In Topeka, Marcia helped Bob at Kinyon Corporation, his veterinary supply business.  She then returned to the Menninger Foundation where she retired from the Neurology/Neurosurgery department as first a secretary and then a medical transcriptionist.

Bob preceded her in death on November 15, 1993.

In addition to her two daughters and two siblings, other survivors include the absolute joys of her life, grandsons Jesse R. Moss, Toby A. Moss, and Reid H. Hughes, and granddaughter Regan D. Hughes, along with much-loved nieces and nephews in Colorado, Louisana, Kansas, and Arizona.  As her grandchildren’s biggest fan, she never missed a game, recital, or competition and traveled far and wide to cheer them on.

Cremation has taken place.  Private family services are planned.  Memorial contributions can be made to Doorstep, Inc. of Topeka and the Topeka Rescue Mission, sent in care of Davidson Funeral Home.

Marcia’s family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Arbor Court Retirement Community, Lexington Park Assisted Living, and Interim Hospice Care for their dedication to providing excellent, loving care for Marcia throughout her last three years living with Parkinson’s Disease.  Marcia’s example of selflessness and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

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