Gwendolyn 'Gwen' Hammer, 80

Gwendolyn "Gwen" Hammer, 80, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, with her family at her side. She was born on Aug. 31, 1926, in Murray, Utah, to David Merrill and Zella Monetah (Zabriskie) Hand.

Gwen married Glen LaMar Hammer in Draper, Utah, in 1943. Gwen and family lived in many states, moving to the Flathead Valley in 1964 and calling it home since.

She was a wonderful homemaker who utilized her many creative skills, sewing, knitting, painting, crafting, etc. All fondly recall fresh baked bread or cookies from her kitchen! She filled many church callings over the years as counselor in the Relief Society, pianist, teacher, music chairman for the ward and singing in choirs. She found it especially pleasing to participate in a women's choir that traveled and ministered through song to others.

She was also a volunteer for hospice, taught ceramic and sewing classes, enjoyed singing, playing piano, oil painting, reading historical novels, knitting, making crafts and swimming.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen; her parents; a brother, Lee M. Hand; and a son-in-law, Carl Norton.

She is survived by her four children, Robert Hammer and wife, Kathy, of Seattle, Wayne Hammer and wife, Kay, and Keith Hammer and Virginia Norton, all of Kalispell; her sister, Delfa Andrus, and husband, Ray, of Murray; and a sister-in-law, Odette Hand, of Sterling, Va.; as well as many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Whitefish Stage Road in Kalispell. Burial will follow at the Lonepine Cemetery in Bigfork.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Mountain Brook Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Linda Benson, 275 Van Sant Road, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Gwen's family.