Rosetta “Rose” Hamilton, a beloved resident of Hermiston, passed away on Oct. 24, 2024 at the age of 89.
She was born on April 21, 1935 in Trumann, Ark. to William and Mary Roberts Armstrong.
Rose spent her formative years in Flint, Mich. and Macon, Ill. She married George Waldo in Macon on Aug. 19, 1952. George preceded her in death in November 1999. Later she married Leonard Hamilton, who also passed away before her.
Throughout her life, Rose and George embraced adventure, living in various places including Alaska, Michigan, Illinois, and Washington before settling in Hermiston in 1992.
Rose was a dedicated member of the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church and an avid gardener. She loved sharing her produce and honey at the farmers’ market and generously volunteered her time at the Hermiston Senior Center. As the eldest sibling, she worked hard to maintain close relationships with her family.
Rose is survived by her three daughters, Sherry (John) Gilliand, Debbie (Bob) Byron, and Nellie Troit; her son, Jim Waldo, who sadly passed away just hours after her on the same day; 18 grandchildren; and 58 great-grandchildren. She is also remembered by her siblings, Joann Hilliard, Betty Divincen, Willie Renfro, and Bill Armstrong, along with many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; her brother, J.D. Armstrong; and her granddaughter, Renee Troit.
A joint funeral service for Rose and her son, Jim Waldo, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston.
Rose will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery in Stanfield.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Jim Waldo Bodybuilding/Power Lifting Foundation to benefit aspiring athletes.
