Hamlin, Donna 1935-2025 Sun City, Ariz.
Donna Hamlin, 89, Sun City, Arizona, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025. She was born Oct. 21, 1935, in Marietta, Ohio, to Walter and Emma (Savage) Young.
Donna married James “Jim” Max Hamlin on March 8, 1986. He preceded her in death on Jan. 11, 2011.
Donna and Jim were very involved with the St. Joseph Saints, and she was a huge Royals and Chiefs fan as well. While disappointed at leaving the Kansas City area where her beloved Royals played, Donna was thrilled to see them at Spring Training Camp in Arizona.
She was active in the St. Joseph community, generously donating to charities, going to Silver and Gold Club events and taking group trips with Nodaway Valley Bank. Donna also looked forward to her Char’s Circuit exercise group, and absolutely loved dining out, especially at Perkins, where they knew her so well they started her order when she walked in the door.
Donna loved her family and leaves behind a legacy of her joy and community involvement.
Donna moved to Arizona in 2022 to be closer to her sister, Sigrid McGriff. She spent quality time with her sister playing card games, going out to eat, and visiting family. She was surrounded by her loved ones and built close relationships with her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 25 years, Jim; sons, Arland Lee Laymance, Gregory Eli Laymance, and Arthur Donald Laymance; and stepdaughter, Vicki Reynolds.
Survivors include sons, Gordon Allan Laymance and Raymond Neal Laymance; stepchildren, Laurie Christoff, James D. Hamlin, Kimberly Hyatt, and Kathy Hamlin; granddaughter, Sara Laymance; step-grandchildren, Jennier Reynolds and Erin Reynolds; and siblings, Sigrid McGriff of Sun City, Arizona, and Loretta Twiford, of Blue Ridge, Virginia.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Holton Cemetery, Holton, Kansas. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
