Obituary of Rufford Hamilton

Rufford Hamilton, 71, of Ashtabula, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at Hillcrest Hospital.

Rufford was born June 29, 1947 in Teaberry Kentucky. He was the son of Evan and Lona (Newsome) Hamilton.

On July 8, 1983, he married his wife of 35 years, Pamela (Matthews) Hamilton. Together they had four sons.

Rufford worked for the City of Ashtabula for 32 years in different departments before retiring in 2000. For the first time, a proclamation was given to Rufford for his dedication for always going above and beyond to get the job done.

Rufford loved being outdoors. His favorite activities included fishing and boating. He loved a good picnic with a camp fire to follow.

Anyone who knew Rufford, knew that he was a Pittsburgh Steelers fanatic. He and Pam endured a Cleveland Browns/Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry for many years.

Rufford’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his family no matter what, especially his grandchildren.

Rufford is survived by his wife; Rufford and Pam’s children, Kyle (Amanda .F) Hamilton, Chad (Krissy) Hamilton, and Jesse (Natasha .F) Hamilton; In a prior marriage to Debra Mixer-Hamilton, children, Tina Hamilton, Samantha (Bill Gray) Hamilton and Ruford (Christine) Hamilton; sisters, Velva Smith, Nan (Joe) Simmons and Kathy Hamilton, all of Ashtabula; brothers, Squire (Laura Mae) Hamilton of Kentucky, Tal (Alma Stevenson) Hamilton of Ashtabula, Bill (Duana) Hamilton of Ashtabula, Carl (Marge) Hamilton of Texas, Noah (Linda) Hamilton of Ashtabula and Ray (Michelle) Hamilton of Geneva; grandchildren, Chastity Gray, Steven Gray, Deanna Gray, Timmy Grey, James Brown II, Justina Hamilton, Tyler Hamilton, Justin Hamilton, Jesse Rae Hamilton, Gideon Hamilton, Ryker Hamilton and Rayna Jewel-Ann Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Alliah, Brezdan, Joseph, Kyzen, Andrew and Connor; a special brother-in-law, Henry Smith; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his and Pam’s son Matthew John Hamilton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ashtabula County Special Olympics and can be mailed or dropped off to Ducro Funeral Home.

Calling hours will be held on June 1, 2019 from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. at ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUENRAL HOME, 500 West Prospect, Ashtabula. A service will be held at 3 P.M. at the funeral home.

Officiating opening services will be Pastor Evan Hamilton of Lilly of the Valley Church in Geneva, Ohio. Officiating closing services will be Pastor Ray Smith of Word of Life Church in Lorain, Ohio.  Following the service, the family will be hosting a time of food and fellowship.

Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com