Obituary of Helen M. Hammond

Helen M. Hammond, beloved mother, grandma and great-grandma, died peacefully on August 23, 2014 of age related causes. She was born on November 10, 1916 to Kathrine and Claude Miller in Anthon, Iowa and attended Oregon State College for several years. Helen met Herb Hammond on October 8, 1939 and one year later they were married, beginning more than 66 years of a partnership full of love and happiness.Following the Second World War, Helen and Herb moved to Corvallis Oregon, where she lived for sixty-three years. While raising their two children, Helen ably handled the book keeping responsibilities for Hammond Builders Supply. She volunteered as a Campfire Girls leader and with the First Congregational Church. Helen lived her final years at Fox Hollow in Eugene.Helen never met a cross-word puzzle that she couldn’t conquer, faithfully starting each day with this brain test. These mental gymnastics were likely responsible for her amazing memory and keen mental skills, which she retained to the end. Her children and grandchildren also attest to her formidable cribbage skills. All of her family and many friends benefited from her amazing knitting skills, which produced many garments still in use today.Helen is survived by son, Herb and wife Susan of British Columbia; daughter Vicki Eckerdt and husband Allen of Eugene; two grandsons—Shawn and Chris; two granddaughters—Jody and Shannon; and two great-grandsons—Peter and Erik.A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Helen can be made to the Herb Hammond Memorial Scholarship Fund at Linn Benton Community College.