Beth Saul Hamant

PIQUA - Beth Saul Hamant (Western), 62, of Piqua, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born on Feb. 3, 1951, to Kenneth L. Saul and Ondalee Bittikofer Saul at Stouder Memorial Hospital, Troy.
Beth grew up on South Clay Street and attended Troy High School, from where she graduated in 1969. Upon graduation, Beth attended the University of Kentucky and Heidelberg University, where she graduated with an associate of science degree in respiratory therapy. After graduation, Beth worked at numerous area hospitals including Good Samaritan, Mercy, and eventually became director of respiratory services at Detmer Hospital in Troy. After Detmer ceased regular hospital services, she then became director at Piqua Memorial. Beth ended her career at Kettering Memorial Hospital working the floor as a therapist, which she loved most. Her career was cut short due to personal health issues.
Beth had two children from her first marriage with John Western, Tonia and Tara. Following the death of John, Beth married Stephen Hamant in 1988. Preceding her in death were her parents.
Beth is survived by her husband of 25 years, Stephen Hamant; daughters, Tonia (Hamant) Keener and Tara (Hamant) Durig; stepson, Christopher Hamant; numerous grandchildren: Aidan, Lauren and Rowan Keener, and Sophia, Lily and Amelia Hamant.
Beth was a member of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church (GUM) and was a lay pastor at GUM until her health forced her to give her duties to others.
Beth was an avid cross stitch artist. To view her works, please visit www.bethstitches.com.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Baird Funeral Home, Troy, with John Jung officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service in Riverside Cemetery, Troy.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Friends may express condolences to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.