Born: Sept. 23, 1930

Died: March 2, 2013

Janice Elaine Hamilton, 82, of Niles, died Saturday, March 2, 2013, in her home. She was born Sept. 23, 1930, in Kalamazoo to the late William Earl and Doris Swem Rizor.

On Aug. 12, 195,0 in Columbus, Ind., she married Robert J. Hamilton, who survivors along with four daughters, Deborah Hamilton McMullen, of Tucson, Ariz., Carol (Dan) Hoffman-Flower, of Mound, Texas, Sandra (the late David) Blake of Three Oaks, Michelle (Kevin) Burns, of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sons, Stephen (Eleanor) Hamilton-Accident, of Maryland, Mark (Lindy) Cary, of North Carolina, as well as 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were three sisters, Jane Molds, Jackie Gunter, Joan Rizor; and her stepmother, Alice Dunn Rizor. Janice graduated from Western Michigan University, where she earned a degree in elementary education. She taught in the Buchanan Community Schools system from 1968 to 1989, where she spent the majority of her time at Ottawa School teaching fifth grade.

She was known for going out of her way to help her students and was instrumental in helping start the Outdoor Education Program.

Janice was as a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Buchanan as well as being active in many local charities.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 132 S. Oak St. in Buchanan, Pastor Rob McPherson will officiate.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Swem Chapel in Buchanan.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 123 S. Oak St., Buchanan, Michigan 49107 or Red Bud Area Ministries 708 N. Red Bud Trail, Buchanan, Michigan 49107 To leave a condolence message or sign her guest book please visit our website at www.swemchapel.com.