Zereta L. Hamilton

Zereta Lois Hamilton, 97, passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, IL. A graveside service will be held at North Cemetery on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11 a.m. Pastor Tim Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to the graveside, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Zereta Lois was born on February 26, 1924 in Loraine Township, Geneseo, IL. to Fred E. and Martha H. Neuleib of Geneseo, IL. She married Daniel H. Millslagle on September 27, 1941 in Palmyra, MO. She later married Albert Hamilton on July 29, 1978 in Kewanee, IL. Zereta loved crocheting, was an avid reader, poetry collector and traveler. She would tell anyone about her trip to Australia in 1990 and several trips to Alaska. Zereta loved crafts, especially sewing and weaving. She was the owner and operator of Rita’s Elephant Barn where she wove many rugs on a loom she purchased from her mother-in-law Lucille Ouart. Zereta obtained many trophies and ribbons for her crafts and workmanship in crocheting and weaving.

In her earlier years, Zereta was a Cub Scout Den Mom, a Brownie Leader, Chaplain of the Atkinson Women’s Club, VFW Mothers of World War II, Flemish American Club, and was a part of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed making floats for her children to participate in parades. Zereta sold Avon for many years and received numerous awards for highest sales. She taught Sunday School at Lutheran Redeemer and St. Peters Church.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Thomas (Judith) Millslagle (Savanna, IL); daughter, Joni (Michael) Johnston (Lenox, MO); 19 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and numerous, nieces, nephews; god daughter, Linda Hull; and many cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Daniel Millslagle and Albert Hamilton; son, Daniel Millslagle Jr.; daughters, Sally Abbott and Patricia Brown; brothers, Marvin Neuleib, Loren (Bud) Neuleib, Dean Neuleib, and Norman Neuleib; and sisters-in-law, Betty, Mary, Vi, and Irene.