Lesa Gayle Hamilton passed away unexpectedly on May 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, strength, compassion, and unwavering determination. Born on April 17, 1956, Lesa lived a life defined by her dedication to others and her steadfast commitment to improving the lives of those around her.

A graduate of Manatee High School in Bradenton, Florida, Lesa answered the call to serve her country shortly after graduation by joining the United States Army Field Artillery Branch in 1974. She was originally stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where she began a distinguished military career and met Joe Bill Gamble of Webster Parish, Louisiana. Together they married and welcomed the two daughters who would become the greatest joy and accomplishment of her life.

After relocating to Northwest Louisiana, Lesa pursued higher education at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Social Work. While attending college, she served as a Home Manager with C-BARC, devoting herself to the care and support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During those years, she also opened her home and heart to numerous foster children who had been displaced into state custody, offering them stability, guidance, and love during difficult times.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Lesa also established a respected career as a German Shepherd breeder before once again answering the call to military service. Returning to active duty, she served as an Executive Officer of the Pershing Missile Division at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, until 1989. Her military service remained one of her proudest accomplishments, and she often spoke fondly of her experiences and the honor of serving her country.

Following her military career, Lesa returned to Northwest Louisiana with her daughters and embarked upon what would become her life's work. For the next thirty-five years, she tirelessly advocated for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving as an Executive Director with Evergreen Life Services. Through her leadership, compassion, and relentless advocacy, she touched countless lives and became a respected champion for those whose voices often went unheard. At the time of her passing, she was preparing to embrace the next chapter of life—official retirement.

Though her professional accomplishments were many, Lesa considered her greatest triumph to be raising her two daughters. She instilled in them strength, independence, resilience, and the courage to forge their own paths. Her wisdom, determination, and fierce love will continue to guide them for years to come.

Lesa was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” Hamilton and Lois Hamilton; her brothers, Bruce Hamilton and Marty Hamilton; and her dear friend and the father of her children, Joe Bill Gamble.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Carrie Gamble Moore Puffer and Heather LaRae Gamble; her beloved grandson (Heather’s son), Spencer Jude Montelbano; her sister, Karen Stachera; her nephews and niece, Matthew Stachera, Jared Hamilton, Hillary Hamilton, and Tyler Hamilton; and her faithful companions, dogs Shelby and Peggy and cats Biscuit and Gumbo.

Lesa's family invites those who knew and loved her to share memories and correspondence of condolence as they celebrate a life marked by service, courage, and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lesa's honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Evergreen Life Services of North Central Louisiana, Providence House, or Ninna's Road to Rescue.