Obituary for Charlotte Hamilton

Charlotte Hamilton, 82, of Letts, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 in her home. A private service will be held at a later date. 

The daughter of Royce and Vesta Carey, Charlotte was born on October 2,1940 in Aledo, Illinois. The family soon moved to Iowa, settling on the farm located north of Fredonia. Charlotte attended school at Columbus Junction where she met and married Jerry Hamilton. Jerry and Charlotte celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on April 6th, 2023.

The couple raised their four children in Letts, Iowa. Charlotte was a woman of many talents. In addition to being a homemaker, she ran the Letts Grocery for 12 years. She was a lover of people and animals, always seeing the best in them. Her love of harness racing thrived while she trained and raced with her dad, Royce, and later her husband Jerry. She enjoyed many seasons of traveling to Quad City Downs to work with daughter Kim and her stable. She loved to spend a summer afternoon sitting at the head of the stretch at What Cheer, visiting with friends and cheering on her many family members who participated. Her subscription to Race Track Network allowed her to stay connected to family, friends and horses as they moved on to race in locations all across the country. 

Charlotte was deservingly presented the Red Smith award, Outstanding Caretaker of the Year by Harness Tracks of America and Hanover Shoe Farms in 2000. A heartfelt essay submitted by granddaughters Tessa and Leah nominated her for this national honor. 

Charlotte’s thoughts were never about herself, but of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. When she walked into a room it instantly lit up. She was a true angel, and we were so fortunate to have her in our family. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Jerry, daughters Kim Hamilton and beloved grand dog Dottie, Lesa Peters and husband, Rick, Tracy McVey and husband, Mike, son Mitch Hamilton and wife, Janet, grandchildren Nick Roland (Jessica), Will Roland (Gretchen), Tessa Perrin (JD), Leah Tokle (Cole), Kelsey McVey (Jon), Dan McVey (Madi), Spencer McVey, and great grandchildren Ethan Roland, Delanie and Jackson Roland, Charlotte and Evelyn Perrin, and Macy Tokle.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Rose Ann, and her father and mother-in-laws Raymond (Cotton) and Anna Hamilton.  

Memorials may be sent to the Letts Fire Department and the Letts Library.