Antionette Albia (Benoit) Hamel passed peacefully at the age of 96, at her home surrounded by family.

She was born in Damar, Kansas, on November 21, 1929, to Ulric and Deloris (Manny) Benoit, and grew up on a farm outside Damar.

Antionette and Emery Hamel were married on August 7, 1947, and to this union six children were born. In 1973, they moved off the farm to Hill City, Kansas, and had been married 62 years when Emery passed.

Antionette worked in the housekeeping department at the Graham County Hospital. After a few years, she became a supervisor, where she worked until retiring at 72 after 26 years. So many friends and coworkers remained close to her. She was proud to have served as President of the Infectious Disease Control in Kansas and to have received many awards in that role. She was so proud of her family; she always said she had a total of 64 grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids, but the number was probably higher and still growing.

She was preceded in Death by her mother, Deloris Manny-Benoit, and her father, Ulric Benoit, and by three brothers: Norbert Benoit, Edmond Benoit, and Oswald Benoit. Also preceding her are her infant son, Randy Benoit, and a daughter, Janita Vogel.  

She is survived by Julie Lockhart, Donna (Jim) Goff, Rick (Diane) Hamel, Jan (Pamala) Hamel, and numerous grandchildren who will carry on the love of quilts grandma made to snuggle in.  She will be missed by so many who loved her dearly.

The services will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Damar, Kansas. Memorials for St. Joseph Catholic Church may be sent to Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 North Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas.