Ardith M. Hamilton

Ardith Hamilton, 89, formerly of Elizabeth Township, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 2, 2024, in Monroeville. Born July 18, 1935, in Greensburg, she was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth & Elizabeth (D'Happart) Brant; brother Dalton Brant; and her beloved husband of 65 years, Robert. Surviving are her two children: Kevin (Emily) of Roanoke, VA; Brenda Abel (Douglas) of Monroeville; grandchildren Jay (Caitlin) Hamilton of Lynchburg, VA; Scott (Allyson) Hamilton of Cartersville, GA; Alex (Shannon) Hamilton of Lynchburg, VA; Lauren (Scott) Fitzgerald of Roanoke, VA; Caleb (Meagan) Hamilton of Columbia, SC; Ryan (Mary) Abel of North Huntington; and twelve great-grandchildren, with two more expected in 2025. In youth she was a member of Rainbow girls and graduated from West Newton High School in 1953. She worked at G.C. Murphy where her friend Marie Rickard set her up with Bob, the brother of Marie’s boyfriend. Bob and Ardith married in 1956. Shortly afterwards, Ardith and Bob (enlisted in the Army) moved to Fort Jackson, SC and later to Heidelberg, Germany. They spent their free time camping through much of Europe. It was in Germany that Ardith developed a love of cooking and entertaining friends. Returning to the States in 1958, they settled in Pittsburgh where Bob worked for US Steel. The family enjoyed camping across the country, picnics, and frequent vacations to Myrtle Beach, SC. From 1982 through 2001, Bob and Ardith lived in Birmingham, AL and Flower Mound, TX, before returning to McKeesport. Ardith was known as “the Hostess with the Mostest” as an excellent cook and baker. She loved opening her home to family, friends and new faces. She actively hosted international students through Pittsburgh Region International Student Ministries. (2001-2014). During this period, many from around the world adopted her as their Grandmother. She smiled and sparkled her way through life, despite a difficult childhood. She made friends with almost everyone, remembering names and faces. She felt strongly about church attendance and participation. In 1972, the family joined the First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport. There she served with youth, nursery and funeral meals’ committees. She was supportive of missions and often hosted large gatherings during missions conferences. Friends are welcome Friday, November 8, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8pm and Saturday from 9-10:30 am at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak. (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral Service will be held Saturday November 9, 2024 at First Evangelical Free Church at 11 am. Private Interment will follow at the Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Evangelical Church, 4001 University Drive, McKeesport, 15132. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com