Tamie Hamilton Howell

It’s Tamie’s smile that you first notice, full of welcome and peace, offered to all, even before she knew your name or you knew hers. She was taken away from us suddenly by a heart attack on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the same day our father died twenty-six years ago in 1999.

Tamie Fay Hamilton Howell was born in San Rafael, California, October 31, 1959, on Halloween with her twin brother Cliff. So close, like twins can be, with a secret language only they knew; their older sisters imagined them holding hands in the womb.

The first three months of Tamie’s life were in an incubator which may have given her the source of resilience, patience, and an easy readiness to give the shirt off her back for anyone in need. She led her life with generosity as her guide with an openness to listen carefully, so very carefully, so deeply, always with a tender reach of love.

Tamie was an incredible friend, a sharp antique dealer, and a good athlete, and with many people from all walks of life, made memories that were full of laughter, adventure, and joy; vibrant memories that shape you, forever. She met the love of her life, Craig Howell, and they have been each other’s friend, lover, partner, husband and wife since 1982. And in that union came the gift of Cierra Kahaley, their beautiful daughter who will carry her mother’s spirit with her as she ventures into the grace of her life with her husband-to-be, Miguel Garnica.

After graduating from college, Tamie continued to live in Ellensburg and worked at the college in a variety of roles. She loved her colleagues, and yet in the midst of her work on campus, she discovered her true calling which was to care for those who were near the end of their lives, bringing to them dignity, companionship, and of course joy.

We can’t express how much we are going to miss Tamie, wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and companion. She is precious.

Tamie is survived by her husband Craig; daughter Cierra (Miguel Garnica) and siblings Karie (Chris Fynboe) Hamilton; Cliff (Karen) Hamilton and Jamie Hamilton. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Tamie’s memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 in the Evenson Memorial Chapel at Johnston & Williams in Ellensburg.

Memorial contributions in Tamie’s honor are suggested to the FISH Food Bank, for the benefit of the Open Table Meal Program.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com