C. MARIE "GRANDMA" (HOWE) HAMLIN, 97, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday afternoon, December 3, 2009 at her home.

Born December 21, 1911 in Cambridge, Kansas, she was the daughter of Burt L. and Mary Eunice (Bonnel) Howe. She attended Bryant Grade School, which is now the museum, and graduated from Winfield High School in 1930.

Marie was united in marriage to Carl Wright Hamlin on May 23, 1930 in Winfield, Kansas. She lived in Winfield since 1916 and in Cowley County her lifetime. The couple moved to their home on Mound Street in 1991. She was a housewife and loved taking care of her family. She also worked at the Co-op Grocery from the mid 1940's to 1953. Mr. Hamlin preceded her in death on June 1, 1993.

A member of the First Christian Church in Winfield her entire life, Marie served as a Sunday School Teacher, a Deaconess, and member of the Board, Sunday School Department Superintendent and a 4-H leader. She was a charter member of the 4-H clubs in Cowley County.

She was a member of Peleg Gorton Chapter DAR, Queen City Chapter No. 138 Order of the Eastern Star, Wichita Assembly No. 8 Social Order of the Beauceant, former member of White Shrine of Jerusalem, received the Grand Cross of Color from International Order of Rainbow for Girls. She received her 50 year pins from Order of Eastern Star in 2001 and Social Order of the Beauceant in 2004. She is a Past Matron of Eastern Star and Past President of Social Order of Beauceant. She was a Past Regent of DAR and Past President of Rosetti. She was a former member of Walnut Valley HDU. Her family was her pride and joy and believed family and friends are so important.

Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, any type of crafts, family and especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Her family includes:
Her daughters: Evelyn Marie Smith and husband, Daniel E.; and Carlene Louise Brown, both of Winfield;
Her grandchildren: David Carl Smith and wife, Donna Rae of Winfield; Linda Diane Stauffer and husband, W.H. "Pete" of Lake Wabaunsee, Alma, KS; Rodney Dean Smith and wife Debra of Winfield; Donna Jean Hanks and husband, Michael of Reading, KS; Marilyn Kay Lanzrath and husband Matthew of Allen, KS; and Eric Allen Brown and wife, Serena of Winfield;
Her great grandchildren: Janell Williams and husband, Joe of Winfield; Darrin Smith and wife Abby of Wichita; Adrienne Baca and husband, Jon of El Dorado; Natalie Smith of Winfield; Ashley Taggart and husband, Abel of Topeka; Jeremy Smith and wife, Amber of Ponca City, OK; Matthew Smith and wife, Lindsay of Winfield; Crystal Ray and husband Jacob of Winfield; David Hanks of Reading, KS; Mark Hanks of Reading, KS; Michael Lanzrath of Allen, KS; Kayla Lanzrath of Allen, KS; Michael Brown of Winfield; Zeb Brown of Winfield; Brentleigh Edwards of Arkansas City; Michael Bowman of Winfield; and Koral Bowman of Winfield;
Her great-great grandchildren: Nathan and Jacob Williams; Aliah, Anthony, Mia, and Ella Taggart; Justin, Alexis and Jace Smith; and Nikolas and Mattalynn Smith.
Her 2 nieces and 1 nephew.
In addition to her parents and husband, Marie was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward W. and Everett L. Howe, her son-in-law, Richard D. Brown, and a niece, Esta Lee Brunton.

Funeral Services and Social Order of Beauceant Honors will be held Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Monday evening from 4 to 8. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 6:30 that evening.

A Memorial has been established in Mrs. Hamlin's name for the Knights Templar Educational Foundation, the First Christian Church in Winfield or to the charity of the donor's choice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.