Tresa Lynn Hamilton, 69, Overland Park, Kansas passed away September 17, 2026. Born January 15, 1957, in Kansas City, MO, Tresa was a graduate of Wyandotte High School and spent her life in service to the Kansas City, Kansas community.
Tresa began her career as an early childhood educator with the Salvation Army. She later completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at the University of St. Mary, followed by a Master’s in Education from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She spent the remainder of her professional life teaching ESL students at KCK Public Schools until her retirement.
Above all, Tresa loved her family and took great pride in the accomplishments of her only child, Janise. As her grandchildren were born, they became the center of everything. With both people and plants, she had a rare gift for nurturing growth, making friends and strangers alike feel welcome and at ease.
In retirement, she continued to pour that same care into the things she loved; spending time with family and friends, offering a helping hand, taking up ceramics, gardening, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and staying up-to-date on the local gossip.
Tresa was preceded in death by her dad, Harry Austin Hamilton; her mom, Ruby Elizabeth Butler; and her siblings, Michael and Bonnie.
She is survived by her daughter, Janise Carleton; grandchildren, Lucas, Abigail & Simon Carleton; siblings, Jim, Ken, David and Carol; and numerous nieces and nephews.
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, all are invited to celebrate Tresa's life from 1:00-4:00 PM. Formal services will start at 1:30 PM, immediately followed by a gathering of family and friends in the same location. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Tomahawk Ridge Community Center - Summit Room, 11902 Lowell, Overland Park, Kansas 66213
Tresa's final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 N. 94th Street, Kansas City.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the college funds established for Tresa’s grandchildren. Contributions can be made online at Ugift529.com for Lucas (E1J-264), Abigail (M19-P95) and Simon (S6F-P8V).
