RUTH EVELYN BARNETT HAMILL

Fort Worth, Texas - After 100 years with us, Rosalie “Ruthie” Barnett Hamill passed away peacefully in her sleep just days after celebrating her centennial birthday with her loved ones. Born in Malden, Massachusetts in 1924 to the late Molly and Max Barnett, Ruthie moved to Fort Worth in the late 1940s, but always maintained her characteristic Boston accent. After marrying her beloved Milton Hamill in 1947, Ruthie moved with him, her brothers Louis H. Barnett and Stanley Barnett, and their spouses Madlyn Barnett and Myra Barnett, to Fort Worth, Texas more than 77 years ago. 

Ruthie was a proud and loving mother to two wonderful and equally-devoted children, Harriet Hamill Anton and Alan Irving Hamill. Throughout their childhoods and adult lives, Ruthie was awestruck by her children’s gifts and accomplishments. For decades, each Sunday, the family of four (and any others who wanted to join) would meet for brunch at Colonial Cafeteria or Colonial Country Club to catch up. Eventually grandchildren joined and then the great-grandchildren. Ruthie relished the company, the coffee, and the conversation with those around her. 

Show them a dance floor, and Ruthie and Milton could be found dancing and laughing while celebrating special occasions with close friends and family. Ruthie was also an avid reader, was whip-smart, and was a member of a decades-long weekly mahjong group that included her best friends, Rowena Kimmell, sister-in-law Madlyn, Annette Taylor, and Shirley Anton. 

Ruthie and Milton were fixtures of the Fort Worth community as owners of both Westcliff Hardware Store and the Cook’s Nook. Ruthie was an active member of the Fort Worth Jewish community, Congregation Ahavath Shalom, Hadassah, and the National Council of Jewish Women. Ruthie also generously volunteered her time at the Child Study Center. All who knew Ruthie will attest to her boundless energy, her generosity, and her warmth.

Ruthie adored her son-in-law Larry Anton, her grandchildren, Jennifer Anton Helms & John Helms and David Barnett Anton & Lauren Anton, and her great-grandchildren Jack Helms, Grace Helms, Abigail Anton, Charlie Anton, and Marietta Anton. Ruthie was deeply devoted to her brothers and the three siblings cared for each other and each other’s families until each of them passed. Ruthie treasured her nieces and nephew, Laurie Barnett Werner, Eliot Barnett and Rhoda Barnett Bernstein and their families, who were central to her life. 

Ruthie was preceded in death by her husband Milton (married for 65 years) and son, Alan. Despite losing her hearing in her 40s and many loved ones over the years, Ruthie never complained – always maintaining her strength and a positive attitude. 

In the last few years, Ruthie battled both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Her entire family is eternally grateful to the staff at the Westmore for helping Ruthie and Harriet navigate this challenging time. 

A private service was held on August 3, 2024. Memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah www.hadassah.org.

Mrs. Anton’s family entrusted her care and services to E. C. “Trey” Harper III and Harper & Lucas Funerals & Cremations, formerly ROBERTSON MUELLER HARPER.