Roberta Ann "Bert" Hamilton

1942 - 2026

Roberta Ann "Bert" Hamilton

January 7, 1942 - March 12, 2026

Roberta Ann "Bert" Hamilton, 84, of Mattoon, IL, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, in New Orleans, LA.

She was born Roberta Ann Hickenbottom on Jan. 7, 1942, in Charleston, IL. A graduate of Charleston High School, she also attended Lakeland College. She began her working life at the Charleston root beer stand and went on to become an exceptional seamstress. While technically retired, she never stopped quilting, knitting, and focusing on what she loved most - her home, friends, and family. She was always happy to share a recipe and make sure the cookie jar was stocked.

Bert was a Christian who volunteered for various causes, including motorcycle safety, first-responder support, and children's charities. Many will remember her connection to scouting. A devoted Girl Scout from an early age, she carried that spirit into decades of service, working as a troop leader and day camp director.

Bert and her husband, Harold "Butch" Hamilton, shared a life full of adventure, visiting all 50 states, Mexico, and Canada - most often camping and traveling by motorcycle.

She is survived by her daughter, Candi Hamilton Walker; son-in-law, Trent Walker of Gretna, LA; brother, Leslie R. Hickenbottom of Charleston, IL; nieces Connie Spaniol and her husband, Lee Spaniol, of Lerna, IL, and Cindy Huckstep of Charleston, IL; along with a cherished circle of friends, neighbors, grand-dog, two grand-cats and favorite "kids."

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Harold F. "Butch" Hamilton; her father, Cleone Robert "Bud" Hickenbottom; her mother, Edna Beatrice Pforr; and sister-in-law Kathleen Ann Hickenbottom.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28th, at Mound Cemetery in Charleston, IL, followed by a celebration-of-life lunch, details to be announced. Schilling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schillingfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, tributes in memory of Roberta "Bert" Hamilton may be made to the donor's favorite nonprofit or support local Girl Scouts at www.gsofsi.org/give or by mail to Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, c/o Fund Development, 4 Ginger Creek Parkway, Glen Carbon, IL 62034.

Schilling Funeral Home

1301 Charleston Ave

Mattoon, IL 61938

217-235-0333