Ginger Irene Hamilton

Dr. Ginger Irene Hamilton, 84, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, died October 20, 2019 at Circle of Life Hospice.bShe was born February 21, 1935 in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Larry and Thelma (Hamilton) Collingsworth. Thelma died during childbirth, and Ginger was adopted by her maternal grandparents, Edward Sherman and Arlie Daisy (Waring) Hamilton. At the age of 18 months, she was billed as the "World's Youngest Radio and Stage Entertainer", singing and playing the mandolin, on stage at Renfro Valley. She received her doctorate at the Ohio State University. Before moving to Bella Vista, her practice was as a neuropsychologist. She started the first animal behavior psychologist's office in the world and wrote several books on animal behavior. She had a strong love of animals, especially horses. She was a member of The Village Players, Inc., Hoot and Holler Cloggers, and Tai Chi. She played trumpet for the Bella Vista Community Band for several years. She wrote and produced six plays for the Clever Road Theater, which she started. She was a writer, singer, dancer, and choreographer director for various local groups such as the Village Players, Dessert Theater with Methodist and Episcopal Church; Equestrian clinics and events, and yearly benefit shows during craft fairs, all profits going to local charities, such as the Bella Vista Veteran's Wall. She was a major participant in the St. Theodore's Church, such as writing and directing the Christmas Pageant for several years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Richard Wentworth Beck on July 11, 2017. She is survived by several cousins and one cat, Charlie Girl. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 26th at 10 a.m. at St Theodore's Episcopal Church, 1001 Kingsland Road, Bella Vista, Ark. 72714. In lieu of flowers: Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Theodore's Episcopal Church, 1001 Kingsland Road, Bella Vista, Ark. 72714. Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72715. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.