Ella Mae (Evans) Hamm 95, while surrounded by her family, returned to her heavenly home on Saturday, February 24, 2018. Ella Mae made her grand arrival into the world on July 04, 1922; one of ten children born to Samuel and Myrtle (Lazzell) Evans. 

Ella Mae married Douglas W. Hamm on June 22, 1945, and had three children; Glen (Carol) Hamm, Sandra (James) Brown and Caralena (Michael) Dungan. Of those children Ella Mae was given several grandchildren, April Michelle (Becky) Hamm, Douglas (Tiffany) Hamm, Ella (Chad) Dunn, Caralee (Diego) Berger, Justin (Laura) Brown and Jessica Dungan. Great-grandchildren Erin (Anthony Routh) Hamm, Megan Hamm, Mitchell (Emily Woods) Hamm, Zoe Dunn, Bradyn Kirts and great-great grandchildren LilaRay Hamm and Paislee Ella Hamm.

Ella Mae was the last surviving child of Samuel and Myrtle Evans. Waiting to greet her upon her return are siblings; an infant child, Valley (Evans) Gotchalk, Paul Evans, Bessie (Evans) Gooch, Chester Evans, Glen Evans, Virginia (Evans) Franklin, Georgia (Evans) Frerichs and Raymond “Sam” Evans. Also proceeding her in death are husband Douglas, daughter Caralena, son-in-law James Brown, great-great granddaughter LilyAnne Louise Hamm, several nieces and nephews and a special friend Carolyn Shutt.

Ella Mae led her life as a Christian and was a member of the St. James United Methodist church and Christian Women’s Organization. She enjoyed attending the Christian Women’s luncheons and contributing her time to church programs that helped those in need. She loved to crochet and often made homemade crafts for her friends and family; however, spending time with her loved ones singing, telling stories, and playing cards is what gave her the most joy. 

God gifted her with a tremendous amount of strength, courage, wisdom and resiliency. She was an ambassador for life and always found the goodness in the lives of others, and taught her family to live a life of goodness. To know her was a privilege, but to be a recipient of her unconditional love is an invaluable treasure so precious one cannot assign a price. Although the absence of her physical presence leaves an irreplaceable void her love will remain in our hearts forever. 

The family would like to thank Dee Nolan for her care and friendship given to our mother as well as Dr. Thomas Halloran, Dr. Vasmi Vasireddy and staff for their care over the years. The family would also like to give extra gratitude to the staff of Carle Foundation Hospital sixth floor specifically nurses Tim Nelson, RN, BSN and Rachelle RN who cared for Ella Mae during her transition. No words can ever describe how thankful we are for the love, compassion and care that was given to our loved one during this difficult time. 

A celebration of Ella Mae’s life will be held at 2 pm Friday, March 2, 2018 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Pastor Randy Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenview Cemetery in Fairmount. Visitation is from 12 noon till service time at Robison Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation in the honor of Ella Mae Hamm to the St. James United Methodist food pantry. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.