Martha D Hamilton

Martha Hamilton
A Faithful Steward of Grace
July 11, 1938 – October 14, 2025
A faithful steward of the life and talents entrusted to her, Martha Hamilton lived with open hands and a heart ready to serve. Her life, rich in acts of service and kindness, was a living reflection of 1 Peter 4:9–10:
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Martha Hamilton, 87, of Bellville, completed her earthly journey and was welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
The daughter of Willard and Avilee (Strome) Shaffer, Martha was born July 11, 1938, in Bellville, Ohio, and graduated from Johnsville High School. It was at youth group that a tall, slender teenage boy, Paul Hamilton "noticed" her-or more accurately, gently teased her. That playful spark grew, and Paul and Martha began courting. On February 15, 1957, they were united in marriage, and together celebrated 68 wonderful years.
From that day forward, Paul and Martha embraced life as a team. Through every season, they supported one another-raising a family, building a home, and walking side by side in faith.
Martha began her professional career as an office assistant for Mansfield Tire. While raising her three children, she launched a popular cake baking and decorating business. Word of her cakes quickly spread throughout the community-it wasn't unusual for her home to be filled with intricately designed wedding and graduation
cakes. She was also an exceptional cook, preparing hearty meals from scratch, always with love.
Martha also found success as a sales agent for Home Interiors & Gifts, consistently ranking among the top national sales leaders. She was a woman who noticed details and strove for excellence in everything she did.
Martha and Paul enjoyed their time camping, first with a pop up tent and later a travel trailer. More recently they enjoyed many winters in their camper in southern Florida spending precious time with her son Tim and daughter-in-law Marianne. Martha and Paul rarely missed a season of camping at Round Lake, with lifelong friends.
Above her professional accomplishments, Martha's love for Christ defined her life. From her teenage years, she taught Sunday School, offering scripture and godly wisdom into the hearts of children for generations. She was a devoted member of New Life Church of Christ, where her gift of hospitality extended well beyond the church walls.
Martha was the kind of friend who picked up the phone just to check in, who wrote cards by hand, and who gave hugs that made you feel seen. Her love language was feeding others and serving them-intentionally, from her heart. As mom and grandma she never missed a recital, concert, or ball game, always cheering from the bleachers with Paul at her side.
She lived as the hands and feet of Jesus, letting His love flow through her life into the lives of those around her.
Martha is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Paul Hamilton; her children Tim (Marianne) Hamilton, Teresa (Charlie) Brown, and Troy (Jennifer) Hamilton; and her treasured grandchildren Jacob Hamilton (fiancée Lia Thomassian), Tabitha (Dillon) Wanner, and Noah Brown.
She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Clinton (Phyllis) Shaffer; sister and brother-in-law Claudia (John) Rheinbolt; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Myron (Nancy) Hamilton and Marlin (Reta) Hamilton; sister-in-law Betty Hamilton; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Dean Hamilton and nephew Jonathan Rheinbolt
A memorial gathering will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of New Life Church of Christ, 195 West Durbin Avenue, Bellville, Ohio 44813. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the church, where a memorial service celebrating Martha's life will begin at 11:00 a.m.
The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hamilton family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Round Lake Christian Camp or New Life Church of Christ-two ministries close to Martha's heart.