Fama Eileen Hanson

Fama Eileen (Gerhart) Hanson went home to heaven on February 26, 2026. She died of complications from her cancer treatments. Fama was born on August 22, 1930 to Olen and Florence Gerhart in Tiffin, Ohio.

Although she had no siblings, she grew up playing with her 60 first cousins. She was a high school athlete and graduated valedictorian from Columbian High School in Tiffin. She studied mathematics, chemistry and education at Bowling Green State University and received a graduate degree in mathematics and education at Ohio State University.

She was a female pioneer in her studies, often the only woman in her classes. In 1957 she married Howard Hanson, also a teacher, and they spent 65 years together before his passing in 2022. They lovingly raised their two daughters and one son in Macomb, Illinois, where Fama spent the majority of her mathematics teaching career at Edison Junior High School. She was one of the first teachers in Illinois to introduce computers into the classroom. She also taught at high schools and junior colleges. Her aptitude in mathematics was remarkable, and she most likely recited the quadratic formula to God when she met Him in Heaven.

Fama was grounded by her personal relationship with Jesus, and the world is a better place because she lived out her faith. Throughout her life she loved and was engaged in her local church. Her children are eternally grateful for the faith she modeled for them.

She focused on the positive in all people and loved engaging with them. She was full of joy and interesting stories which drew everyone to her. Above all she prioritized her family! The delights of her life were her three grandsons. Their lives are forever benefited by the unconditional love, prayers, and confidence that she poured into them.

Fama and Howard traveled extensively, well into their retirement years, and spent 9 months in Japan on a mission trip teaching English as a second language. Fama exercised well into her 80s. Her interests included reading, genealogy, art, puzzles, and cats. At 95 she was actively involved in her neighborhood book club and game nights, participated in family events, did her taxes, and enjoyed going out to lunch and Starbucks! Most people couldn’t believe she was 95!

Fama is survived by her three children: Elizabeth (Doug) Cox, Damaris Hanson, and Timothy (Melissa) Hanson. Her beloved grandchildren are Caleb Cox, Luke Cox, and Max Hanson. She also dearly loved her nieces and nephew: Karis Henne, Alice Rodriguez, and Nathan Henne; and her step grandchildren: Evan (Brittany), Emily, and Addie Dewitt.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hamilton Hills Church in Fishers on Friday, March 20, at 3:00 PM officiated by Matt Thistle with visitation from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM and refreshments following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Fama to: Hamilton Hills Church, Fishers, Indiana, https://www.hamiltonhills.org/give/