Elzora Hamlin

View Elzora's Tribute Video

Elzora Hamlin of Highmore, SD passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Southridge Healthcare in Sioux Falls at the age of 96 years, 4 months and 6 days.

Her funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 2014 at the Church of Christ, Highmore, SD with Pastor Max Kelley officiating. Burial followed in the Highmore Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore.

Elzora Evelyn (Olson) Hamlin was born on June 16, 1918 at Lake Preston, SD to Kate (Strohbehn) and Henry Olson. She was the second child in a family of 8 children. Her early years were spent moving to different locations including living with her grandparents in Iowa and going to school there. She attended Holabird School and later attended school in Highmore through the 11th grade. Her parent’s home burned when she was young and she always told about how her dad saved one of her favorite shoes but not the other. She loved to dance and ride horseback. She took a hot air balloon ride as a young girl. She even attended dances with the Lawrence Welk band. She met the love of her life Gordon Hamlin at one of those dances and they were married on June 25, 1937 in Brookings, SD on their way home from working in Minnesota. To this union eight children were born.

Elzora was active in 4-H as her children grew up, was an active member of her local women's club (CPH club) and the Church of Christ. Elzora's life revolved around family, enjoying cooking big meals for large family gatherings. She would go to the ends of the earth for her grandchildren; quilting blankets for every child and grandchild and spending countless hours finding just the right Christmas gift for each one starting right after each Christmas. Another joy of her life was her large flower garden and encouraging her children and grandchildren to learn to sew and garden. She was known for her ability to quote poetry and she always had a quote for every occasion. A favorite was: Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do or do Without!

Gordon and Elzora moved to Highmore from the ranch south of Holabird, SD in the 80's when Gordon became ill but they continued to farm and she continued to garden. After his passing in 1988 she would still go to the farm often until her health prevented it in 2006. She loved to travel with her family or would often take trips on her own. She was always ready to go out to eat or shopping or to any sporting event.

She leaves behind to carry on her good works; her eight children, 25 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren and their families.

Left to mourn her passing but grateful to have shared her life are her children: Evelyn (Don) Nicholson of Edmonds, WA, William (Sharon) Hamlin of Keller, TX, Robert (Janice) Hamlin of Billings, MT, Donald (Kathi) Hamlin of Holabird, SD, Donna (Mike) Newton of Rapid City, SD, James (Mikey) Hamlin of Spokane, WA, Beverly King of Faulkton, SD, and Beatrice (Dave) Dvorak of Sioux Falls, SD; Grandchildren: Gordon Nicholson, Gene (Linda) Nicholson, Dawn Lynn LeBar, Norm (Julie) Nicholson, Bonnie (Hank) Nagy, Dave (Kim) Hamlin, Steve (Nancy) Hamlin, Brian (Cassie) Hamlin, Jennifer (Mike) Ragsdale, Matthew Hamlin, Donita (Elroy) Ratzlaff, Donnie (Ann) Hamlin, Brenda (Curt) Schake, Debra (Steve) Frankenfield, Monica Newton, Sarah Newton, Jason (Emily) Hamlin, Kayla (Jeff) Kruse, Trena (Drew) Redman, Kevin (Lisa) King, Daniel King, Brian (Alisha) King, Scott (Casie) King, Kellee (Nick) Blumer, Jacqueline (Nick) Economo, Great Grandchildren: Jesse (Katy) Nicholson, Kelsey Nicholson; Hanna Nicholson, Nathan Nicholson, Dominque Lebar, Sarah Lebar, Matthew Lebar, Kayla Nicholson, Juliesia Nicholson, Hailey Nicholson, Jennifer Nagy, Paul Nagy, Phillip Nagy, Joelle’ Nagy; Shae Hamlin, Camryn Hamlin; Allyssa Hamlin, Amber Hamlin; Raegan Hamlin, Ethan Hamlin, Ryan Beck, Zackary Beck, Nathan Ragsdale, Amanda (Michael) Wentlandt, Elizabeth Bleeker, Ben Bleeker, Christopher Bleeker, Drake Hamlin, Danielle Newton, Bethany Newton, Shaina Newton, Travis Newton, Sydney Schake, Kasey Schake, Macey Schake, Maggie Frankenfield, Lincoln Frankenfield, Brooklyn Frankenfield, Taylor Newton, Tyson Newton; David Newton, Whitney Hamlin, Brady Hamlin, Emmalynn Kruse, Ariana Kruse, Anya Redman, Perry King, Skylar King, Storm King, River King, Ryder King, Blake King, Alexis King, Chase King, Lindsey King, Tucker King, Kalista King, Kiana King, Kalia King, Austin Blumer, Olivia Economo, Owen Economo; Great-Great Grandchildren: Isaac Nicholson, Nora Nicholson, Jocelynn Wentlandt, Kaydence Wentlandt, and Holden Wentlandt; brother, Marvin Olson, Redfield, SD; sister, Geraldine Richards, Summerville, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; grandchildren: Laura Hamlin, Jeffrey Dvorak, Elly Dvorak, Lori Newton, and Todd Newton; son-in-law, Don Nicholson; parents, Henry and Kate Olson; sisters: Kathryn (Max) McLelish, Veda (Ervin) Meyer, Opal (Ralph) Preston and Joyce (Bud) Meyer; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Annie Hamlin (Warren Tresca), Bernice Hamlin (Hall Lee), Jean Hamlin (Roy Rork), Wallace Hamlin (Elsie Samp), and Howard Hamlin (Gladys Heckenlaible); brothers-in-law: Floyd Hamlin and Lloyd Hamlin; and infant brother, Alvin Olson.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Elzora’s arrangements.