Kristine Hamblen

Kristine A. Hamblenage 48 of West Chicago, formerly of Elburn and Batavia, IL, "graduated from this earth" Wednesday, May 19, 2004 in West Chicago where she lived with her beloved Robert "Bubba" Smyth. BORNShe was born September 23, 1955 in Albuquerque, NM, the daughter of Thomas A. and Phyllis C. (Webber) Hamann. Moving from time to time with Thomas’ military career, the family eventually settled in Sugar Grove, IL, in 1964.EDUCATIONKristine attended Kaneland Schools where she was involved in many activities including girl scouts, choir and theater and loved it! Following graduation she attended Waubonsee Community College and went on to study at the University of Illinois. MARRIAGEOn June 14, 1975, she was united in marriage to Rodney Hamblen and they made their home in Elburn. Kristine transferred to Northern Illinois University where she continued her education and graduated with a B.A. in Speech Communications. Through all of her college years, Kristine continued to be involved in theater and, ironically, the "common thread" that would define much of her career was sewing. She began helping her high school friend, Blake Anderson at "Stage Rags", a costume company that grew to claim with a national clientele. Kristine loved the work and, over time, became part owner of Stage Rags. FAMILYIn 1981, Kristine gave birth to Caitlin, at home, in the family’s Elburn apartment. Four years later, Ian was born in their Batavia home. Kristine loved to cook and the made life fun for her kids in dozens of ways. Her Halloween costumes were awesome and birthday cakes were a work of art. Kristine was active in Girl Scouting for many years and also found a special joy in gardening. Although Kristine and Rodney divorced in 1998, they remained in touch, and both were excited about the birth of their first grandson, Dylan. Kristine turned her energies to teaching and helping area middle and high school students learn about theater. More recently, Kristine had moved to West Chicago where she and her beloved "Bubba" had talked of marriage and a new life together. Although a tragic moment of despair took Kristine from her loved ones, she will be forever loved and remembered for all that she was and all that she gave. She is survived by her:Mother, Phyllis C. Webber of Muskegon, MI Two children and one grandson: Caitlin Hamblen (and grandson Dylan) of Aurora.Ian Hamblen of Elburn;Her former husband, Rodney Hamblen, also of Elburn;Five siblings:Kim (Steve) Eisnaugle of Millbrook, ILEric (Mary) Hamann of Aurora, IL;Carol (Michael) Greer of Earlville, ILAlison (Tony) Zwart of LeSueur, MN; Peter (Cindy) Zwart of Mankato, MNSusan (Gregory) Francis of Ravina, MITwenty-one nieces and nephews, Her Paternal Grandmother, Ann Hamann of Wayland, MI.Several aunts and a uncles, former in-laws and many dear friends.:She is preceded in death byHer Grandfathers: Dale Hamann and Walter Webber, Grandmother: Laura WebberHer father, Thomas Hamann, three uncles and one aunt. MEMORIALS Memorials in Kristine’s name may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.

SERVICESMemorial Visitation will be held Sunday, May 30, 2004 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, from 1-3pm with a memorial service to begin at 3pm. The Rev. Katherine Lawes, pastor of the Community Congregational Church, Elburn, will officiate.

Following cremation, private family committal services will later be held.