Jenny Hamilton

Jenny Hamilton, 90, of Walnut, Iowa, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic, surrounded by family.

Jenny Marie was born on November 23, 1935, at home in rural Oakland, Nebraska, the daughter of James C. and Hilda Marie (Dohse) Wallace. Some of her childhood memories included walking or riding her bike to school, riding her horse, chores of getting wood, cobs, and water, working in the garden, and building play houses out of anything they could find. Jenny attended country school near Craig, and high school in Bennington, where she was a cheerleader.

On December 26, 1951, she was united in marriage to Marvin Wayne Hamilton in Papillion, Nebraska. The couple was blessed with seven children, Cheryl, Robert, Cindy, Lea Ann, John, Ron and Edwin. The couple looked forward to Ed’s dirt track races and square dancing, meeting lifelong friends.

They lived in Omaha for a short time and then moved to Underwood, Iowa. While living in Underwood Jenny helped out on the farm, sold eggs, and also waitressed. In March of 1971, they moved to the Walnut, Iowa, area after purchasing a farm. Jenny had an astounding work ethic and in addition to taking care of the needs inside the home, she just as equally was doing what was needed outside, including raising chickens and milking cows. Oh, and to add another thing to her busy schedule she also cooked at a restaurant in Shelby. In later years, she worked for REM Leadway in Shelby and did so until her retirement.

She rarely turned down a chance to play the slots or to read a good romance novel. Jenny never shied away from telling you her opinion and never wanted to be a burden to anyone. Her ability to cook and bake was something everyone looked forward to and the kids recall even though it didn’t seem there was much food in the house, she somehow whipped up a delicious meal. Jenny never used a recipe and some of her specialties included her cinnamon rolls, cookies, roast and pan-fried chicken.

She felt blessed to have the love of family around her like she did. Jenny’s grandkids were her shining stars; she treasured the time she was able to spend with them making goodies and taking golf cart rides around the farm.

Jenny is survived by her children, Cheryl Jensen, Cindy (Scott) Knop, Lea Ann Van Horn, John (Kay) Hamilton, Ron (Rachel) Hamilton and Edwin (Colleen) Hamilton; honorary son, Harvey (Ruby) Bolte; 23 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Hilda Wallace; husband, Marvin; son, Robert Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Brenda Hamilton; son-in-law, Wes Jensen; twin grandsons, Jared and Jesse Hamilton; and siblings and their spouses, James (Dorothy) Wallace, Lillian (Roy) Reinert and Lela (Richard) Silver.

Visitation with the family present will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, December 18th at the Fellowship Church in Oakland, Iowa, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service, lunch will be served in the fellowship hall.

Burial will be held at a later date at Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to Heritage House.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jenny's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.