Carla Jean Hamilton

Carla Jean Hamilton, age 68, passed away peacefully in the embrace of her family, at home on January 11, 2025. On January 1, 1957, Carla was the first born in Chico, California and the first child of Harvey and Jeannette (Kutzer) Carroll.

 Carla spent her early childhood in Covelo, California. There she was an active member of the 4-H Club raising animals and had her own horse. In 1970, her family moved to McKinleyville, CA, where she entered 8th grade and quickly became an active and engaging young lady. She blossomed into a beautiful, caring, talented, and athletic woman with a wonderful sense of humor. She embraced academics, athletics, cheerleading, and her love of the outdoors. She also continued with 4-H, raising animals and becoming a talented seamstress, winning a statewide award. Her family spent much of their summers at Trinity Lake and the surrounding Trinity Alps Wilderness. She was particularly fond of hiking in the Marble Mountains. She loved waterskiing, backpacking and camping. As a senior at McKinleyville High School she was the homecoming queen, graduating in 1975.

Carla attended California State University Chico, where she studied Physical Education, was a proud member of Alpha Chi sorority, and enjoyed competing in many recreational sports. It was there in Chico that she and Rick found each other.

 Shortly after graduating in 1979, Carla and Rick married in Chico and then embarked on their life’s journey together. This included moves to Ohio, Georgia, California, and back to Ohio for good in 1987. Along the way she was blessed with three wonderful children, deepened her Christian faith, explored the great outdoors, traveled the world, and developed lasting friendships.

 In the kids’ early years, Carla made career sacrifices and worked hard so she could spend quality time with the children as they grew. After the kids had a solid foundation, Carla pursued her continuing education, earning a master’s degree and K-12 teaching certificate from Xavier University.

Carla shared her own holistic, healthy lifestyle with others as a teacher of Physical Education and Health, as well as a committed athletic coach at Berry Middle School and Lebanon Junior High School, both in Lebanon, Ohio. She dedicated her career to education, retiring after many years of service, leaving a lasting impression on her students, colleagues, and the community.

Carla had a profound impact on each of her children as they were growing into adults. She unwaveringly provided them the love, support, structure, guidance, encouragement, and understanding they needed to become the kind, loving people they are today. She was their protector, confidant, and role model.

 Nearly fifteen years ago the Hamilton family was shaken when Carla discovered she had developed a rare appendix cancer that had spread within her abdomen. An arduous journey of multiple complex surgeries, difficult therapies, and significant side effects followed. Carla persevered with grace and unimaginable selflessness, and her strength brought amazement to her family, friends, and doctors. She was a true warrior, motivated by sharing more life experiences with her family and friends. While she is so deeply missed, we find some solace in knowing that she no longer suffers and rests peacefully in Heaven.

 Carla Jean will be remembered for: the twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes and loving heart that sparked Rick’s life-long relationship with her; her adoration of her three wonderful children that she nurtured like a momma bear; how she embraced and welcomed their spouses as family; how she adored her six beautiful grandkids, who called her “Nanna”, as priceless treasures; the deep friendships she developed wherever she went; her infectious joy, humor, and cheer that she brought to every encounter, regardless of the weights she was carrying. Carla’s qualities continue to remind and motivate us to prioritize and appreciate all of the bonds and special moments we have in this life.

Carla leaves a big hole in the hearts of her loving husband of 45 years, Rick Hamilton, her children Ryan (Marianne) Hamilton, Rebecca (Bret) Blakley, and Jared (Elisa Perin) Hamilton. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Armstrong, Madeline, Mackenzie, Carter, Cadence, and Rosemary. Carla is also survived by her loving mother, Jeannette Carroll, father, Harvey Carroll, and her siblings William (Jakki) Carroll and Colleen (Robert) Thompson.

 Celebration of Life parties honoring Carla will be held on April 12th in West Chester, Ohio and on July 19th in Redding, California to recognize the tremendous impact she had on all of our lives. Learn more and RSVP for these events at https://carlajhamilton.com. The website also has a contact form if you wish to share any condolences or memories of Carla with the family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Learn more and support the fight of this awful disease through the Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation. http://acpmp.org