Kathleen S. Hamilton, 90, of Las Cruces, NM passed away July 8, 2024, at Memorial Medical Center with her family by her side.

Kathleen was born in Hedley, TX to William & Eleanor Simmons and was the youngest of eleven siblings. Kathleen graduated in the top ten percent of her class from Deming High School in 1952 and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Kathleen went on to have a family and had four children, Darwin, Woodie, Erin, and Shannon, who she worked hard to support and care for. She started working with the Law Firm of Garland & Martin (and its successors Martin, Martin, Lutz & Cresswell, etc.) in 1963. Kathleen left the firm in 1981 and went to work for the State of New Mexico in the Third Judicial Court as Secretary and "Partner at Court" to District Judge, The Honorable James T. Martin from 1981 to 1997. In her capacity at the Third District Court, Kathleen was also affectionately known as "The Guardian of the Gate, and "Dragon Momma". Kathleen was an Honorable member of the National Association of Legal Assistants. Kathleen received many letters from NM Governor(s), Legislators, Chief Justices, and US Attorneys, thanking Kathleen for her professional wisdom, courtesy, organizational skills, and hospitality.

She absolutely loved working in the legal system. She enjoyed music, horseback riding, reading, hiking, knitting, spending time with her family, and reminiscing about the old days. Kathleen supported her entire family throughout her whole life. She was always available to co-sign a note, help with a down payment, and catch up on bills. She had many friends who meant the world to her and will miss her dearly; Laura and Daphne Ruiz, Teresa Provencio aka "Dragon Baby", Ernestine Kipp, Beverly Robinson, and Kelly Burnham. Kathleen was very close with her Nephew George Harrison. He was always available when she needed him. He will miss her dearly. Kathleen received the Best Care from Haciendas at Grace Village Assisted Living; her family would like to thank the Caregivers and Facility for the amazing care and love they gave her.

Kathleen is survived by her son William Shannon Hamilton, daughter Erin Hamilton-Davis, granddaughters Tiffany Bristol (husband Curtis Bristol) and Heather Hamilton, grandson Alexander Hamilton, and great-grandchildren Dylan Briston-Hamilton, Sky Bristol, and Warwick Bristol.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her son, Darwin Allison Hamilton, and son Weldon Woodrow "Woody" Hamilton, her six brothers Weldon, William, Robert "Rob", Lloyd, Thomas "Billy" and Clayton Doyle "Clay" Simmons, four sisters, Katie Mae Simmons, Mary Nell Hughes, Johnnie Dale Rackley, and Juanita "Nita" Muriel Simmons Klement.

A graveside service will be celebrated on Thursday, September 5th at 1pm at Mt. View Cemetery in Deming, NM.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.