Mary Ellen Hamilton, 88, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on January 3, 2026, at Acorn Estates, in Mount Carmel. She was born on September 2, 1937, in Lancaster, Illinois, daughter of Frank and Eva (Eckiss) Keppel. She married Donald Lee Hamilton on June 5, 1959, and together they enjoyed fifty-seven years of marriage until his passing on April 1, 2017.
Mary was employed by Snap On Tool Corporation where she received a Gold Veteran’s Badge as an honor from the Grand Lodge of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers due to her loyalty and service for thirty years to fellow workers. In her spare time, she enjoyed camping, bowling, traveling and crocheting for relaxation. Mary watched WWE Wrestling, Elvis’s movies and enjoyed his music. She was baptized in the First General Baptist Church in September of 1982 and remained a faithful member. Mary was a member of Wabash General Hospital Auxiliary. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Mary leaves behind her son, Darrel Lee (Kris) Hamilton of Mount Carmel, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Lisa (Dale) Young; grandchildren, Rachel Lynne (Jacob) Odom and Kyra Marie (Douglas Monts) Hamilton; great grandchildren, Tyler and Savanna Raine Odom, Justice Faye and Leif Eric Monts; many loved nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Don; son, David Joe Hamilton; four brothers, Carl, John, Pat and an infant brother.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 8, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Jack Gatson officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery where Mary will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Don.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Mary’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Hamilton family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
