Marcia Ann (Thorne) Hamaker, 93, passed peacefully into the Lord’s embrace early on Saturday morning, November 2, 2024. A lifelong woman of faith, Marcia now reunites with her beloved husband, Ronald “Ronnie” W. Hamaker, who passed in 2019, and her dear son, David L. Hamaker, who predeceased her in 2010.
Born and raised in Marion, Indiana, Marcia was the cherished daughter of H. Emerson and Thelma Thorne, who preceded her in passing. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Ronda Strausbaugh of Noblesville, Indiana, her beloved grandchildren, Nick S. Strausbaugh (Jessica A. Strausbaugh) and Kristen A. Strausbaugh; and here adored great-grandchildren, Penny, Tommy, and Maggie. Marcia leaves behind a legacy of love, grace, and dedication to her family, community and faith.
From her childhood days walking to First Friends Church in Marion with her family and neighborhood friends, Marcia’s faith was the foundation of her life. After graduating from Marion High School, she married Ronnie in a beautiful ceremony at First Friends Church on July 30, 1950. Marcia’s mother crafted her wedding dress, along with those of her bridesmaids, as the couple began their married life, honeymooning at a lakeside cottage in Northern Indiana. Marcia and Ronnie took time to deepen their bond before welcoming their first child, David Lee, eight years later, followed by their daughter, Ronda Ann.
In the early 1960’s, the couple built the home they would share for nearly six decades. Marcia dedicated herself to creating a warm, loving home. A woman of ambition and intellect, she returned to school in 1970, earning a degree from Ball State University. For 22 years, she inspired junior high students as an English teacher, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives with her kindness, patience, and dedication.
Upon her retirement, Marcia poured her energy into family life, attending her grandchildren’s sports events, hosting holiday gatherings, and cooking meals that brought her loved ones together. Her homemade chicken and noodles, desserts, and her welcoming home became a touchstone for her family. Marcia was also a gifted musician, bringing joy to family gatherings with her piano playing and singing, filling her home with laughter and song.
An avid reader, Marcia had an enduring love for mysteries, often immersing herself in two books at once. Her joy in simple pleasures extended to television, particularly mystery shows, musicals, and comedies like I Love Lucy, where her beautiful, contagious laugh brought happiness to those around her.
In later years, Marcia joined St. James Lutheran Church, finding community in the Sunday School class, Forever Young, and cherishing each Sunday’s fellowship, sermon, and hymns. Following Ronnie’s passing and 69 years of marriage, she moved to Noblesville, where she shared the last chapter of her life with her daughter, Ronda. Though she missed her Marion home, church, and friends, Marcia embraced her new life, enjoying the precious time spent with her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Marcia Ann Hamaker’s legacy is one of deep faith, unwavering love, and boundless kindness. Her family and all who knew her will forever remember her warm heart, selflessness and generous laughter. Not a day will pass without her loved ones feeling the depth of her absence, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
