Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Donna Beth Hammond service is Thursday, September 25

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Longtime Chesterton resident Donna Beth Hammond passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Whispering Pines Health Care Center. Donna Beth, known to many as DeBe and to her grand and great grandchildren as Dee Dee, lived a full and rewarding 80 years. She will be missed by many.

Donna Beth was born August 22, 1934, in Torrington, WY, the daughter of Walter and Ferne (Jones) Hudson who both preceded her in death.

In August, 1956, she married John Robert (Bob) Hammond in Cheyenne, WY, and shared 47 years with Bob until his death in 2003. Donna Beth is survived by her daughter Beth (spouse Al) Miegl of Chesterton; son Rob (spouse Lisa) Hammond of Tampa, FL; brother Ed Hudson of Niwot, CO and sister Jean (Hudson) Jacobson of Tacoma, WA. Donna Beth’s second daughter, Jana (Hammond) Foust, of South Bend, IN, passed away in 2003 from cancer. Jana’s husband Andy Foust continues to reside in South Bend, IN.

Family was always the center of Dee Dee’s life and she has been blessed with six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Dee Dee’s grandchildren are Jon Miegl of LaPorte, IN; Jenna (Miegl) Severin of Aurora, CO; Erin Foust of LaPorte, IN; Ryan Foust of Lafayette, IN; Lauren Hammond of Lawrence, KS; and Chris Hammond of Tampa, FL.

Donna Beth was a graduate of Cheyenne High School and held Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education from the University of Wyoming and Purdue University, respectively. Donna Beth also attended Cottey College in Nevada, MO. Donna Beth was a great teacher first in Gary, IN; later running her own preschool and then returning to the classroom at Jackson and Brummitt elementary schools in the Duneland School District. Donna Beth loved to teach and often shared what a thrill it was when kids learned to read. One of Donna Beth’s favorite sayings was, “You are never alone when you have a good book.”

Donna Beth had many friends and a lifelong love for gardening and music. DeBe was a long-time member of the Chesterton Garden Club, YMCA Board, Chesterton United Methodist Church choirs and Tri Kappa, along with numerous other events and charities.

Funeral services, Pastor Scott Tyring officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 25, at First United Methodist Church, 434 S. 2nd St., Chesterton. Interment will be at Chesterton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St. Chesterton.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society. www.whitelovefuneralhome.com

Posted 9/13/2014

 

 
 

 

 

 

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