Cheryl Ann (Harms) Hamilton, formerly of Calumet Township, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on November 5, 2026.

Cheryl was born on August 26, 1945, in Gary, Indiana, and attended Calumet High School, where she met the love of her life, Donald R. Hamilton. The two shared 59 years of devoted marriage before Don’s passing in 2021. Together, they raised three daughters: Kimberly (Dawayne) Davis, who preceded her in death in 2022; Laticia (Kevin) Roach; and Jennifer Hamilton widow of the late Daniel Somerville.

Left to cherish Cheryl’s memory are her daughters, Laticia (Kevin) Roach and Jennifer Hamilton; her grandchildren, Jessica (Joe Pennington), Bridget Davis, Megan Davis, Daniel (Stacey) Hamilton, Donald (Kayla) Roach, Nicholas (Miranda) Roach, Danielle (Allen) Hopkins, Dana Hamilton, and Daisha Somerville; and her great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Joseph, Jacob (Lacy), Aaron, Andrew, Vinny, A.J., Gianna, Bryson, Chayce, A.J., Baker, and Dallas. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Kip Spencer, Ron Vargo, and Wayne (Christine) Hamilton, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Cheryl devoted most of her life to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. As a proud stay-at-home mom, she expressed her love through family, tradition, and unforgettable meals. She was especially known for her infamous lasagna and her cherished Christmas mushroom soup, dishes that became beloved family favorites.

Cheryl treasured time spent with her grandchildren, whether hosting her famous “Hot Shot” parties, watching scary movies, teaching card games, or sharing her skills at Texas Hold’em.

She enjoyed many forms of crafting and was never without an abundance of craft supplies for her next project. Her home reflected her passions, with curio cabinets filled with Precious Moments figurines and collections of cookie jars gathered over the years.

Cheryl also enjoyed attending auctions, visiting casinos, and, in her later years, spending peaceful days perch fishing alongside her beloved husband, Don. She was always a champion of the underdog and loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren fiercely and unconditionally.

Cheryl will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, her unique way with words, and her ability to create her own version of the English language that only a select few could successfully translate. Her legendary garage sales, generous spirit, and one-of-a-kind personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Hamilton; her daughter, Kimberly Davis; her parents, Robert and Margaret (Tokash) Harms; her in-laws, Ora and Mamie (Brown) Hamilton; her sister, Patti Spencer; her brothers, Jack Harms and Rick “Uncle Chops” Harms; and her sister-in-law, Carol (Hamilton) Vargo.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Rendina Funeral Home (5100 Cleveland Street, Gary, Indiana, 46408). Please check back for confirmation of Memorial Mass and interment information.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Cheryl’s honor to: Sharing Meadows, 6001-6437 County Road 300E, La Porte, IN 46350, or online at sharefoundation.org.