Irma Ila Hampton

Raised in Merced County, Dos Palos CA, she and her siblings were first generation Italian Americans born to Guido and Mary Baldocchi, whose families immigrated to the United States from Italy in early 1900.

While growing up, family stories were favorites derived from ranch antics where Mary worked at a local Ranch kitchen serving dinners to farming ranch hands and where the children helped or played.

After HS, Irma attended Mary's Help College of Nursing in San Francisco, CA graduating with Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1944 and, thereafter, joined the Nurse Corps as Lieutenant.

Irma 🇺🇸 honorably served in active Federal Service as 1st Lieutenant in the Army of the United States from 10 March 1945 to 22 January 1947 during WWII at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Upon leaving Washington State she traveled south to Northern California in Redding to visit family on her journey back to her childhood home.

Though not previously planned, she remained in Redding and began to working as RN for the office of Dr Thomas, MD on Court St across from Courthouse circa 1940-1980.

There she would eventually meet her future husband, Harold Hampton, himself a WWII Veteran and grocer and lifetime resident of Redding.

They would marry in July 18, 1948 and eventually raise 3 children in Shasta County where they lived the remainder of their adult lives.

Irma, with Harold worked hard all their lives and always put others and their children and grandchildren first to the best of their abilities. In fact lovingly committed, particularly during difficult seasons.

Irma also valued hospitality and serving family and friends over the weekends and during the holidays.

During retirement, Irma and Harold were volunteers together with the West Valley Volunteer Fire Co.

In addition, Irma being an avid gardener served as officer with the Cottonwood Garden Club until they moved to Redding in 2008.

Her love ♥ for her plants continued until her death.

Also through the years, Irma was a gifted seamstress, crafter and quilter whose passion was shared with oldest daughter, Mary and with the admiration of youngest daughter, Catherine...(who was more attuned to being an equestrian and was very athletic as a runner).

Jimmie’s deep curiosity showed itself from the very beginning.

Mom would often discover him carefully unscrewing and taking apart whatever he could reach as a little boy, not out of mischief but because he genuinely wanted to understand the world around him and this curiosity remained for life.

So many memories with Mom and Dad that remained dear to them — the everyday moments that mattered most: time spent together, shared laughter, and quiet conversations.

She is preceded in death by husband, Harold Hampton and grandchildren: Christian Churchill, Amy Catherine Churchill, Jonathan Knifton, and brother, Desto Baldocchi.

Irma is survived by her 3 children: James Hampton of Knoxville Tn, Mary Wilson and Catherine Churchill both of Redding, CA.

Grandchildren: Philip Churchill, Anna Churchill, both of Redding CA, Matthew Knifton of Sacramento CA, Ila Wilkes of Redding CA, and Gianna Lewis of Whitewright,TX

And her beloved sister, Dora Quinn (nee Baldocchi) of Ashburn VA in addition to cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

As part of the prayer of intercession for the faithful, a Mass Intention will be given for Irma I Hampton (nee Baldocchi), 1922 - 2025 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on the 29th of October

A military honors for Irma will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Northern California Veterans Cemetery, 11800 Gas Point Rd, Igo, CA 96047.