Bertha "Bea" E. Hamilton, age 98, of Grand Rapids, MN, died Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital.

Bertha was born in 1927 to George and Ruth Morisset in Suomi, MN. She graduated from Bemidji High School.  On August 24, 1947, she married Thomas "Bud" Hamilton in Bemidji, MN. They lived in Minneapolis for a few years while Tom worked. In 1950 they moved their family to the Iron Range of MN, so he could work for a short time in the mines. Bea and Tom had four wonderful children: Karen, Charlene, Pauline, and Tom. They lived in Pengilly for 20 years and Bea was a stay-at-home mom. After her children flew the nest, Bea went to work at the drug store. She worked as a motorcoach escort, giving tours for over 30 years. She also was a private caterer for 30 years. She worked at the Children's Museum in Grand Rapids.

She loved bowling, ceramics, and craft shows and spending time with her many grandchildren. Bea and Tom were season hockey ticket holders and Bea continued to attend after Tom's passing. Bea was a lifelong member of the Grand Rapids United Methodist Church, the VFW Auxiliary, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruth; husband of 70 years, Thomas; son, Thomas; 11 siblings, Helen, Louisa "Pauline", George "Sonny", Rosalie, Hugo, Frank, Ramona "Mona", Ethel, Winifred "Winnie", Stafford, and Evelyn "Babe"; and 2 great-grandchildren, Hannah Snider and Eliyana Perreault.

Bea is survived by her three daughters, Karen (Don) Mickelson of Isanti, MN, Charlene (Tom) Perreault of Alamo, TX, and Pauline Wirtz of Taconite, MN; grandchildren, Cheryl Perreault, Kris (Emily) Perreault, Nicole (Jerry) Snider, Aaron (Melissa) Wirtz, Michelle (Tim) Brown, and Cara (Aaron) Samuelson; 10 great-grandchildren, Noah, Klayten, Samantha, Emara, Paige, Natalee, Aubree, Adalyn, Rebecca, Evelia; and 1 great-great grandchild, Weston.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10am at Grand Rapids United Methodist Church followed by the 11am funeral service. Burial will be at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Deer River, MN.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.