Mildred Hamel

Mildred K. Hamel. 91, passed away Saturday March 9, 2019, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by loved ones.

Mildred was born on Oct. 25, 1927, to Jacob and Fredricka Kienzle of Bismark, N.D. She and her family later located to St. Ignatius, Mont., where she met and married the love of her life, Walter Hamel, who preceded her in passing.

She worked as a bookkeeper for the family service station, Hamel’s Exxon, and as a licensed nursing assistant at the Holy Family Hospital in St. Ignatius. Following retirement, Mildred enjoyed traveling with Walter, crocheting, gardening and spending time with friends and family. She prided herself on her beautiful garden and hosted many flower tours at her home in St. Ignatius.

Following Walter’s passing in 1998, Mildred moved to Missoula, Mont., to be closer to her sister and cousins, and later relocated to Edmonds, Wash., where her daughter, Gayle, and her family resided. Mildred maintained a very active social calendar playing bridge, Rummikub and Mexican Train. She was also a member of the Red Hats Society of Edmonds. She volunteered at the Edmonds Senior Center, and later at the Gift Closet, where she also sold her crocheted kitchen towels. Mildred was proud to be the top seller at the boutique for many months.

Mildred will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. She leaves behind her two sons, Ron Hamel of Thompson Falls, Mont., and his family (Kelly Hamel, Angie Lowe, and Karissa Lowe), and Rob Hamel of Billings, Mont., and his family (Lynell Hamel, Tom Hentz, Tiara (Madi) Hentz, and T.J. Hentz); and granddaughter, Shana Kelly of Seattle, Wash., and her family (Peter Levinthal and Amara Levinthal).

She will be put to rest with her husband, Walter; daughter, Gayle; and son Jimmy, who all preceded her in death.

A graveside memorial will be held in St. Ignatius at the Pleasant View Cemetery on Sunday, May 26 at 2 p.m., with a celebration of life following, time and location TBD. In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider donating in Mildred’s name to the Zion Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 607 St. Ignatius, MT 59865. Please note in the memo if you wish the funds to be used for a specific purpose.