Dortha B. Hamilton

ZANESVILLE: Dortha Blair Hamilton, model, artist, interior designer and local TV personality, died December 23rd, 2022 at age 96.  She was born July 13, 1926 in Royalton, Kentucky, the daughter of Elmer and Anna Prudence Blair. She attended Grove City High School where she met, and later married, Robert “Bob” Hamilton to whom she was married for 69 years.  From 1960 to 1980 Dortha did Rink’s Bargain City commercials on weeknights during the WHIZ TV 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM News broadcasts.  She was an artist and craftsman of note, known statewide for flower arranging and was nationally recognized for her macrame wall hangings and fiber constructions.  She operated Decorating and Designs by Dortha, an interior design company, for 40 years and continued beautifying residential and commercial interiors well into her 80’s.  In the 1960’s she was active in the Zanesville Community Theatre Group and had starring roles in several of their early productions performed at the Liberty Theatre in downtown Zanesville.

She served on the Zanesville Art Institute board of trustees. Studied painting and ceramics at the Institute where she also taught macrame.  She was active in the Zanesville Artist Association (1960s), Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild, and Green Thumb Garden Club.  Her paintings, ceramics, floral and fiber works have been exhibited all over the Midwest and have received many awards and honors, and are now a part of many permanent and private collections.

She is survived by two sons, Gary (Debbie) Hamilton of  St. Petersburg Florida and Steven (Kim) Hamilton of Troy Ohio; four grandchildren; and ten great-grandsons.  Being the oldest of 6 children, she was preceded in death by sisters Polly Wing and Barbara Blair and brother Jack Blair.  Dortha is also survived by her sister Betty (Doug) Freeman, and brother Mike Blair, both of Grove City Ohio, and many nieces and nephews in the Columbus area.
She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Friends and family may call from 11:30 - 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE where funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Mark Combs. She will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.
Dignified and professional services entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME.