Martha R. Hamilton, 97, of Hutchinson, Kan., died March 24, 2020, at Hester Care Center in Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born March 10, 1923, in Kingman, Kansas, the daughter of Ashton Dolman Rayl and Florence McCoy Rayl. Her family moved to Hutchinson in 1931. Martha graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1941, then attended Chicago Art Institute, The Colorado Springs Fine Art Center, Scottsdale Artists School and University of Kansas where she was in the School of Fine Arts, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Martha married Richard Hamilton in 1947.
She was dedicated to her painting and saw beauty in much of her surroundings, often saying ‘I would like to paint that.’ After graduating from KU, Martha painted professionally until she was in her eighties. Painting with other painters in the Friday group at The Hutchinson Art Center made her especially happy.
Martha was a founding member of The Hutchinson Art Association, a member of Chapter CM, PEO, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband; a son, Richard Hamilton, Jr., and his wife, Sharon; two grandsons; three great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and a sister, Julie Chalfant.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Louise Kirk and a brother, Charles Rayl.
There will be a private family service. Memorials may be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main Street, Hutchinson, KS 67501 or to the Hutchinson Art Association, 405 N. Washington, Hutchinson, KS 67501.