Kathy S. Hamilton

Kathy Suzanne Hamilton, 72, of Etna, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 13, 1952, to the late Jacqueline Coyne and Abraham DeNight, Kathy grew up in a lively household as one of four children. With her extended family, she was blessed with even more siblings, all of whom enriched her life with love and connection.

Kathy devoted her life to her family. Whether chasing after her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, she found her greatest joy in being surrounded by those she loved. She enjoyed simple pleasures—sitting on her porch swing, tending her flower garden and tomato plants, or chatting with neighbors (and their dogs).

A gifted baker, Kathy worked for many years as a cake decorator at Big Bear before taking an early retirement. Baking remained her lifelong passion: every Christmas, she filled her home with thousands of cookies, and her beautiful wedding cakes became cherished family traditions. She passed down her love for baking to her children and grandchildren, leaving behind not just recipes, but memories and a legacy of love.

To everyone who knew her, Kathy was “Mom” or “Mammaw.” She embraced these roles with warmth, generosity, and unconditional love. Her heart was big enough to welcome countless friends and extended family as her own, and she will forever be remembered as a beacon of kindness.

Kathy is survived by her children: Jim (Lyn) Hamilton of Heath, Mike Hamilton of Amanda, Jeff (Julie) Hamilton of Amanda, and Missy (Aaron) Cain of Etna; her grandchildren: Nate (Taylor) Sheller of Reynoldsburg, Mikey (Alicia) Hamilton of Circleville, Devin (Sarah) Sheller of Defiance, Meagan Hamilton of Amanda, Matthew Hamilton of Newark, Patrick (Quinn) Hamilton of Amanda, Rylie (Phillip) Hamilton of Newark, Caleb (Sammie) Sheller of Pataskala, Lena Hamilton of Amanda, Aidan Hamilton of Newark, Kathryn "Katie Jo" Hamilton of Amanda, and Isabelle Cain of Etna; and her great-grandchildren: Preston, Callie, DJ, and Ella. She is also survived by several stepchildren and step-grandchildren whom she cherished as her own, including Heaven (Jacob) Fuchs and CJ Shenesky.

She also leaves behind her siblings: Tami (Merrill) Dingess, Pat (Steve) Muncy, Jamie (Kitty) Coyne, and Doug (Helen) Millar, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family who adored her.

Kathy was preceded in death by the love of her life and partner of 30 years, Byron Dale Hamilton; her parents, Jacqueline Coyne and Abraham DeNight; her parents-in-law, Harold and Lena Hamilton; her brother, Michael DeNight; her brother-in-law, Fred (Ann) Hamilton; and her sisters-in-law, Linda (Roger) Scherer and June (Thurman) Muncy.

Kathy’s life was defined by love, laughter, and family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Kathy's family will receive friends on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 10:30 to 11:30am at the Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH where her funeral service will be held at 11:30am with entombment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

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