Elizabeth Jane Ditzler Hamilton (Liz), 49, of St. Helens, died on Dec. 28 after a  six-year battle with cancer.

She was born on Aug. 16, the second child to M. Jane (Jan) and Kenneth Ditzler, in Dallas. She joined her 16 month-old brother, Raymond Kirk. She spent her early years in Albany.

Following the marriage of her mom to George Weese, the family relocated to Harney County when Hamilton  was 7 years old. She remained in Eastern Oregon throughout most of her formative years. At the end of her junior year in high school, the family relocated back to the valley and resided in Grants Pass. During her senior year, Hamilton participated in the exchange student program and lived in Germany with her aunt, Marina Cuttaia and family. She returned to graduate from Grants Pass High in 1977. The family then made a major move to Lufkin, Texas, in the same year.

Hamilton attended college at Angelina Junior College in Lufkin and worked multiple jobs. After a short return to Oregon in 1979, during which time she acquired her cosmetology training, license and instructor credentials, Hamilton returned to Texas for another three years. She made a final return to Oregon after the birth of her daughters, Miesche’ and Whitney.

She married Randy Hamilton in 1996 and completed their family with the additions of Dallas and Courtney.

Hamilton was a successful property manager and mortgage broker. She was an active member of New Heights Baptist Church and Athey Creek Church. She worked diligently for, and contributed greatly to, the betterment of her Cherokee/Choctaw tribal heritage.

Hamilton loved to be with people and never met a stranger. She had a special place in her heart for people in need.

Hamilton is survived by her husband, Randy; children, Miesche’ Baldridge and husband Jon and Whitney and fiancé Sean Fivecoats, Dallas and Courtney; grandson, Alec; grandmother, Edna M. DeWitt; mother, M. Jane (Jan) Michaelsen and husband Everett Harm; father, Kenneth Ditzler and wife Joanne; sister, Samantha Jo Burnside and husband John; nieces and nephews, Aundra, Johnny, Alec, Blake, Brad, Ben and Joey; and many friends and family members.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Ditzler; step-father, George K. Weese; and grandparents, Sarah Navariz and Joseph B. DeWitt.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. at Columbia Funeral Home, 681 Columbia Boulevard, St. Helens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Hamilton’s name may be made to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. at: www.nationalbreastcancer.org.