Myrtle Jean Hamel

Myrtle Jean Hamel 

Myrtle Jean Hamel passed away on Oct. 2, 2025 in Palm Desert, California.

Myrt was born July 11, 1945 to Harry Smith and Alda (Shaw) Smith in San Francisco. After the war and ship yards, Myrt, her brother Bob, and her parents moved back to Montana. Myrt graduated from Anaconda High in 1963, where she enjoyed GAA, twirling a baton and supporting the Copperheads. Shortly after she married Dick Hamel. They lived in Helena for several years. They divorced in 1978. Myrt didn’t like the cold or snow, and she vowed to never scrape a windshield again. She moved to Palm Desert in 1980, where she made many friends and worked mostly in the resort business. Myrt loved her life, she loved the people in her life, and they loved her back. Myrt never remarried but her life was full of good friends and her loving dogs. Special thanks to Lily Vargas and Judith Anne Vincent for being her dear friends and being with her to the end. Myrt was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bob, sister in-law Lois Smith, sister in-law Barb Smith and niece Kim Morse. She is survived by brothers David (Penny) Smith of Helena, Dan (Sandy) Smith of Anaconda, nephews Marcus Smith, Brett Smith, and Brandon Smith and niece Kendra Benner (Monty).

Myrt maintained her cute figure, great smile and her awesome attitude right to the end. MYRT WAS GUR NEAT! Cremation has taken place. Services will be announced at a later time.