Roma Mae Hamrick was born in Buhl, Idaho, on May 23, 1933, to Jerold and Melba Montgomery. She passed away peacefully at home on February 16. Roma was one of ten children and grew up on a farm in Ontario, Oregon, where she learned responsibility, the value of hard work, and a deep sense of service to others.
She graduated from Ontario High School, where she was a majorette and sang in the school choir. After high school, she attended Brigham Young University and was accepted into their prestigious Opera program, participating in many productions. A lifelong learner, Roma deeply valued education. After raising her family, she returned to school and earned her degree in Social Work from Boise State University.
Roma was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership positions, including twice as Relief Society President. She especially enjoyed working with the youth. Roma was also a gifted writer and published several books, including a short story titled “The Most Beautiful Thing” in the Children’s Friend magazine.
She was preceded in death by her three husbands: Terry Story, James Whipple, and John Hamrick. Roma and Terry had five children together: Brendi, Angie, Pam, Sonni, and Daven. She leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Known for her compassionate spirit and wonderful sense of humor, Roma delighted her family with practical jokes over the years. In her later life, she found joy in gardening, maintaining her large yard, and spending time with family. She shared a special closeness with her sisters—Fridays were often reserved for thrift store adventures and fast food stops.
Roma is survived by two sisters and a brother and sister-in-law: Donna Warner, Jeannie and Jerry Evenson, and Joy Montgomery.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the Marsing LDS Chapel, located at 215 3rd Ave W., Marsing, ID, 83639. The family will greet visitors from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service. Interment will take place at Hilltop Cemetery in Nyssa, Oregon.
