Yvonne A. Hamilton

Yvonne Annette Hamilton, 42, Topeka, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 after a prolonged and valiant battle with cancer. She was with her loving husband and caretaker, Ryan Hamilton. Yvonne was born on October 2, 1969, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Ann (Bertels) and Eugene H. Huss. Her father preceded her in death, but she is survived by mother Ann, Nortonville, KS; brother Martin (Betsy) J. Huss, Jonesboro, AR; Terrance (Robin) E. Huss, Mayetta, KS; four nephews, two nieces and two great nephews .

Yvonne's pride and joy were her children and family life. In 1994, she married Brian A. Koon (who died of pancreatic cancer March 10, 2011). They divorced, but the union gave her daughter, Lindsey, 17, and Jacob, 14, Koon, of the home. Yvonne married Ryan Hamilton on October 30, 2004, and they had Eric Michael, 4, of the home. Yvonne embraced her new family, and they loved her dearly. She is survived by Ryan's grandmother, Marlys Mattingly, Lindsborg, KS; Ryan's father, Jan (Terese) Hamilton, Topeka; Ryan's mother, JoAn (Allan) Hamilton Lindfors, Marquette, KS; Ryan's sister, Allison (Josh) Wolf , Topeka; Ryan's brother, Jacob Hamilton, Olathe, KS; and numerous "half" relatives. Yvonne was a devoted wife and mother, and a dear friend to many. She never forgot anyone and always made birthdays and holidays "special days".

Though Yvonne's life was shortened, her achievements and contributions to the community were numerous. She graduated in 1988 from Jefferson County North High School in Winchester, KS. In 2006, she received her Bachelor's degree in education from Washburn University, and a Master's degree in Special Education from Emporia State University in 2008. Prior to teaching school she was a cashier for Harrah's casino (where she met Ryan) and a supervisor for US Bank in Topeka.

Yvonne loved the special needs children she taught at Whitson Elementary School in Topeka. After Eric was born, Yvonne was a beloved advocate for children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. She and her family were big supporters of TARC of Topeka, and the Down Syndrome Guild of K.C. Because of Yvonne, Eric's photo was chosen as one of 100 to be displayed in NYC Times Square for 2010 & 2011. She personally walked in the NYC "Buddy Walk" for Down Syndrome in 2010, along with Lindsey, Jacob, mother-in-law JoAn, and friend, Jennifer Jones.

Yvonne's strong spiritual beliefs helped her with the nearly four years of breast, bone and brain cancer she had to struggle with. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church of Topeka, and learned sign language there, which she began teaching Eric (and Ryan). She made sure that Eric was baptized and both Lindsey and Jacob completed confirmation at Faith. Yvonne loved the Bible studies at Faith, and even attended the women's Bible studies at Topeka Bible Church up to the end of February. In a diary, Yvonne spoke to God daily, and thanked Him constantly for every day He gave her with her children & Ryan. One of her last entries reads, "I want them to remember good times and how much I love them….All I want for them is happiness. God, please walk me and my family thru this. Amen."

A memorial service, celebrating Yvonne's life, will be at Faith Lutheran Church, 17th & Gage, Topeka, KS on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Though Yvonne loved flowers, she wanted memorial contributions to be given to TARC of Topeka; Down Syndrome Guild of K.C.; Faith Lutheran Church; or to bank for her children and family. Special thanks by the family are offered to the staff of Midland Care for providing needed hospice support to Yvonne and her family.