Avis Hamlin

Avis LaVonne Hamlin was born in love on November 19, 1927 to Alvin and Florence (Nissen) in Huron, South Dakota. Not many years later the family moved to Pipestone, Minnesota and again during World War II to San Diego, California. Here Avis attended Kearney High School (Class of ’45) and after attended school for Cosmetology. She met, fell in love and married Floyd “Jack” Hamlin in Yuma, Arizona on February 4, 1949. While Floyd was in the United States Navy, the couple moved all over the US and the world, accepting transfer to Yokuska, Japan. They lived abroad for a year, during which Avis managed the hair salon on the Naval Base. Moving back to California, they brought life/love into the world with Shawn and 3 years later in Alaska, rounded out their family with Shan.

Following Floyd’s honorable discharge, the family moved to Port Gamble, Washington where they owned a boathouse, in which they rented out boats and other aquatic accessories. The family returned to Minnesota where the young entrepreneurs owned a laundromat, in Balaton. They briefly lived on a farm in Pipestone and moved to Hatfield, where the couple took over the “Hollyhock Ballroom” from Avis’ parents. They ran the ballroom for many years and housed innumerable amounts of bands/great memories, throughout that time. After Floyd suffered from a stroke and Avis became wife and nurse, the couple decided to sell the Ballroom. For many years after, Avis would drive them south, to enjoy the winter months in Arizona. They were blessed with 2 grandchildren before Floyd passed away (1987). Avis never desired to remarry but instead enjoyed her life with Shawn, Shan and her 3 grandchildren, until Shan’s passing (1998).

After Shan's death, Avis decided to sell the home in Hatfield and move to Brandon, South Dakota, to downsize and be closer to family. The final move in the great list of places Avis lived was into an independent living facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Where Avis enjoyed almost 10 years of her life; celebrating great-grandkids, birthdays, card games and happiness. She continued to live there until passing peacefully on August 12, 2020 in her home, at the beautifully blessed age of 92 years and eight months.

Avis was a truly creative individual that had a natural talent for art. She enjoyed drawing, painting and going out dancing. Avis had fun playing cards, reading, crossword puzzles and bowling league. Along with hunting, fishing and gardening, Avis could be found peacefully sitting and enjoying nature. She was a straightforward type of woman that wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She captivated those around her with amazing stories, a contagious smile and a laugh that filled the room. But above all else, she deeply loved her family and truly enjoyed being a mother and grandmother.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Shawn (Patrick) Anderson of Tea, South Dakota; grandchildren, Zebulon Anderson, Zoe Hill and Nathan Hamlin; great-grandchildren, Brianna, Carletta and Bianca Hamlin and Phoenix Anderson; her nieces, Debbie (Al) Johnson and Connie Smith; and MANY other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; her son, Shan; her parents, Alvin and Florence; and her brother, Darrell “Dean" Kirby.

Due to regulations regarding COVID - 19, the funeral service for Avis will be family only.