DODGE CITY - Verna Mae Hamilton, 87, died November 2, 2012 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains, Dodge City. She was born on April 13, 1925 at Boise City, Oklahoma the daughter of William F. and Mary (Hamilton) Brakhage.

Verna graduated from Boise City High School in 1943 and from St. Anthony's Nursing School in 1946. She played basketball for the Oklahoma State Champion Boise City Wildcats women's team in 1943. Verna remained an avid Red Demon and KU basketball fan throughout her life.

On June 15, 1946 she married Leroy Hamilton at Dodge City. She was the administrator of the Fort Dodge Hospital and also worked at St. Anthony's Hospital. Verna retired from the Dodge City Medical Center.

She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dodge City.

Verna is survived by her children, Mary Jo Gabel and husband Dennis of Wichita, Sheldon Hamilton and wife Sandy of Russell, Stan Hamilton and wife Mary Juaniece of Queen Creek, Arizona, Dennis Hamilton and wife Tawnya of Dodge City, and Gerry Hamilton and wife Joyce of Garden City; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Hamilton; and sister, Florence Jones.

Vigil Service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home on Monday, November 5, at 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tuesday, November 6, at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ted Skalsky presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Monday, November 5, from Noon to 6:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Verna Hamilton Nursing Scholarship Fund at Dodge City Community College, in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.