Columbus, OH — Charlotte Hamilton, 82, of Letts, Iowa, died April 26, 2023, in her home.

The daughter of Royce and Vesta Carey, she was born on Oct. 2, 1940, in Aledo, Ill. The family soon moved to Iowa, settling on the farm located north of Fredonia.

Charlotte Hamilton, 82, of Letts, Iowa, died April 26, 2023. Provided photo.

She attended school at Columbus Junction where she met and married Jerry Hamilton. Jerry and Charlotte celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on April 6. The couple raised their four children in Letts, Iowa.

Mrs. Hamilton 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. 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.

Mrs. Hamilton 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.

Mrs. Hamilton’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 (and beloved grand dog Dottie), Lesa (Rick) Peters, and Tracy (Mike) McVey; son, Mitch (Janet); grandchildren, Nick (Jessica) Roland, Will (Gretchen) Roland, Tessa (JD) Perrin, Leah (Cole) Tokle, Kelsey (Jon) McVey, Dan (Madi) McVey, and Spencer McVey; and great-grandchildren, Ethan Roland, Delanie Roland, Jackson Roland, Charlotte Perrin, Evelyn Perrin, and Macy Tokle.

A private service will be held at a later date.