Memorial Service:   Tuesday, June 3, 2008 in the Hysham Presbyterian Church in Hysham
Burial:  will follow in the Hysham Vale Cemetery
 

 
        Our beloved matriarch, Leota (Curly) Hamilton, 98, might even be teaching the angels a thing or two at this very moment because she taught us all so well here on earth.  Curly epitomized integrity, selflessness, responsibility, perseverance, faith and love to her family and students. She is cherished for her wit, quiet acceptance of life's trials and devotion to her family and friends.
         Leota was born with a twin sister, Leona, on March 12, 1910 in Myers, Montana to Edna and Phil Isaac. She grew up in Myers and attended her early school years in a one room schoolhouse. After graduating from Hysham High School, Curly attended Montana State University and Eastern Montana State to earn her Education Degree.  She taught school in Custer, Rancher, Red Lodge and Hysham totaling 35 years.
          Irving Mariner and she married in 1934, sharing 36 years together prior to Irv's death in 1970.  Their two daughters, Irvona and Terre, were raised in Hysham.  Curly was a devoted mother and active member of the Presbyterian Church in Hysham where she taught Sunday school and was a church elder.  She was even honored as an Outstanding Presbyterian Woman for her philanthropy and godly acts.  Her membership to the Eastern Star, also, gave her much joy.
           Hugh Hamilton, long-time family friend, and Curly united in marriage and moved to West Park Village in Billings where they enjoyed new friends and a myriad of activities.  
            Mother, Nana and "Nana Montana" is survived by daughters, Irvona (Moni) Mariner (Richland, WA), Terre Tillitt (Casper, WY), grandchildren Kimberly Pueschner (Mike), Janine Jensen (Alex)  (Richland, WA), Russell Jensen (Julie) (Kelseyville, CA), Philip Tillitt (Casper, WY), and Darcy Tillitt  (Portland, OR). Curly's great-grandchildren are Jasmine Gaines, Christopher and Nicki Tillitt as well as Adam and Lindsey Jensen. Amazingly, Nana Montana even has a great-great granddaughter, Samantha Gaines.
             She was met at heaven's gate by her son-in-law, Richard Tillitt, along with both husbands, brothers, twin sister, parents, crowds of friends and, most probably, hundreds of students. Our matriarch just might be playing the piano and gazing lovingly at all the souls she is leading in a song of praise to her Lord! Knowing her, she would say:
                                   When I come to the end of the road,
                                    And the sun has set for me,
                                    I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
                                    Why cry for a soul set free?
                                    Miss me a little but not too long,
                                    And not with your head bowed low,
                                    Remember the love that we once shared.
                                    Miss me, but let me go...
                                    For this is the journey that we all must take,
                                    And, each must go alone.
                                    It's all part of the Master's Plan,
                                    A step on the road to home.
                                    When you are lonely and sick of heart,
                                    Go to the friends we know
                                    And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
                                    Miss me, but let me go.
 
             Our family wishes to express great respect and admiration to the staff of West Park Village. Special thanks must be reverently given to David and Gail Kimball of Billings, MT. David was, truly, the son Curly never had