Doris Hamilton

1932 - 2025

Doris Hamilton
Born: February 4, 1932 in Garden City, Kansas
Died: May 20, 2025 in Rockford, Illinois
Doris Hamilton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with her family by her side at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.
Doris was born on February 4, 1932, in Garden City, Kansas, to Clark and Goldie (McKee) Travis. On June 3, 1956, she married C. W. "Bill" Hamilton, in Tiskilwa. They were married 52 years, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. Doris was a graduate of Tiskilwa High School, earned her Bachelors degree from Western Illinois University and continued graduate studies at the University of Illinois and Illinois State University.
For 35 years, Doris's love for music resonated through the halls of Tiskilwa Elementary and High Schools. As a K-12 music educator, she inspired countless students, through music and theater programs as well as serving as the high school cheerleading sponsor. She created the "Kids from Tiskilwa" swing choir that performed across Illinois and on the stages of Disney World and Sea World in Florida. Her expertise was recognized statewide; she was a cooperative consultant for the Illinois Board of Education and a student teacher supervisor for Illinois State University. She was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher by the Institute for Development of Educational Activities, and Outstanding Arts Educator in the state of Illinois by the Illinois Arts Alliance. In 2013, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Prairie Arts Council, a fitting tribute to a career dedicated to the arts.
Doris was an active member of the Tiskilwa Community Church where she played the piano and organ for over 70 years and led the church choir. She was a music contest judge for both the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA). She was a member of the Princeton Elementary School Board for 24 years, and for over 30 years, she directed the Homestead musicals during Princeton's annual Homestead Festival. Doris was a devoted grandma and trusted friend to her grandchildren. She was a huge part of their lives, taking care of them after school, and attending countless sporting and music events proudly cheering them on.
Doris leaves behind two daughters, Lori (David) Compton of Tiskilwa, IL, and Kristi (Doug) Compton of Princeton, IL; five grandchildren, Ashley (Eric) Dienslake, Andrew (Candice) Compton, Danielle Compton, Chelsea Compton, and Ean Compton; three great-grandchildren, Lake Dienslake, and Drasen and Carter Compton; a brother, Richard "Dick" Travis of
Chillicothe, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bill; three brothers, Dwight, Max, and Dean Briner; and her sister, Carole Adele Bills.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29th between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. A service to celebrate Doris's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30th, at the Tiskilwa Community Church. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Memorial Park , Princeton, IL. Private online condolences may be left for her family at
www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Doris Hamilton's melody may have ended, but the harmony of her life's work will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.