Wanda Hamilton

MUNCIE – Wanda (Beebe) Hamilton passed away peacefully at the age of 92 at Westminster Village in Muncie on April 16, 2022.
Wanda Beebe was born in Muncie on September 16, 1929. She was the daughter of Waldo E. Beebe and Louise Beebe. Wanda had two brothers, Wally Beebe and Warren Beebe. (Wanda often joked about the fact that she and her brothers had first names the all began with the letter "W", but then she then proceeded to name her own children Jane, Jim, Julie and Jill.) Wanda had a wonderful childhood with many relatives and friends nearby. She graduated from Burris High School in 1947 and DePauw University in 1950. Following her graduation, she married A.J. Hall of Muncie. The couple initially lived in Indianapolis where Wanda worked as an elementary school teacher and A.J. worked while attending law school at night. After A.J. completed law school, they returned to Muncie.
Wanda and A.J. had four children (all with J-names) and life was good. Things changed in 1970 when Wanda and A.J. separated and later divorced. Wanda then faced the most challenging period of her life as she was suddenly responsible for all four of her children and the family's financial future. Wanda demonstrated her strength working a variety of different jobs and the family made it through with all four children graduating from college. Wanda also faced personal challenges. On April 15, 1978, Wanda had her last alcoholic drink and joined Alcoholics Anonymous, a decision that changed her life. Through AA, she maintained her sobriety for the remainder of her life and also helped many others as a sponsor and friend. In 1975, Wanda married Bob Hamilton of Muncie, a marriage that lasted ten years.
In 1986, Wanda decided to leave Muncie and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she taught elementary school until she retired. Wanda loved New Mexico's mountains, blue sky and green chile. She developed a love for travel which took her all over the globe to places like China, Thailand, Australia, Egypt, South Africa and much of Europe. Her other great joy was her grandchildren, and she saw them regularly. She created a tradition where every few years she would take two or three of the grandkids from different families to a western dude ranch in southwestern Colorado. The grandkids got the chance to be western cowboys and cowgirls outside the watchful eyes of their parents, an experience they all treasure.
In 2012, Wanda returned to Muncie, moving into Westminster Village where she lived for the remainder of her life. At Westminster, she renewed old friendships and created new ones. She also enjoyed the fact that she was, once again, near her brothers, Wally and Warren. The three siblings met regularly for lunch. In her last few years as she required increased care, Wanda developed a special bond with many staff members at Westminster Village. Wanda's family greatly appreciates the kindness and compassion that she received.
Over her last few months, Wanda would tell her children, "It has been a crazy life, but I loved all of it." She was a remarkable woman.
Wanda is survived by her four children and their spouses: Jane and Marshall Garthe of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Jim and Kathy Hall of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Julie and Dan Swafford of Noblesville, Indiana, and Jill and Doug Cleaves of West Chester, Ohio; ten grandchildren: Alex, Eric, Sam, Kate, Janie, Kevin, Patrick, Max, Erin and Hannah; and one great-grandchild: Reese (with at least one more on the way!)
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel with Reverend Doctor Ronald Naylor officiating. Cremation will take place and burial will be held at a later date in Elm Ridge Cemetery.
Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary, Washington Street Chapel from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
The family requests that donations be sent to the Westminster Employees' Christmas Fund, 5801 W. Bethel Avenue, Muncie, IN 47304
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com