Teresa J. “Terri” (Vestring) Hamlin, 63, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Teresa was born August 6, 1955 in El Dorado, Kansas.  She was one of three children born to James W. and Delores “Dode” (Murray) Vestring.  She grew up in Burns, Kansas and attended school there, before moving to Wichita and graduating from South East High School.  She then attended a year at Kansas University.

Teresa was united in marriage to Christopher Hamlin on February 7, 1981 in Wichita, Kansas.  This union was blessed with three children; Jennifer, Cody and Tyler.  They made their home in Russell.

Teresa was a caregiver and CNA for Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell for over 18 years.  When she was younger she worked in the Burn Unit at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.  She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She was a family oriented person, everything evolved around her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed going to the lake, camping, fishing, and boating.  She was a strong supporter of KU Athletics, WSU Athletics, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.  She was also known for her great cooking.

Teresa’s surviving family include her husband of 37 years, Christopher of the home; daughter, Jennifer Klaus (John) of Hays, Kansas; two sons, Cody Hamlin (Holly Creamer) of Russell, Kansas and Tyler Hamlin (Alisha) of Hoisington, Kansas; and eight grandchildren, Charlie Stieben, Max Steiben, Meg Taggart, Jesse Taggart, Kooper Hamlin, Hayden Creamer, Karsyn Hamlin and Adalynn Creamer.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Randall Vestring; sister, Catherine LaForge; grandson, Joseph Alexander Klaus; and daughter-in-law, Malorie Hamlin.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A memorial has been established as the Terri Hamlin Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.