RITA E HAMMETT

Rita E. Hammett, 83 of DeKalb, Illinois passed away peacefully Friday, April 21, 2023.

She was born Jun 18, 1939, near Waterloo, Iowa. The daughter of Ferdinand and Madeline Steimel.

Rita graduated from DeKalb High School class of 1957. Married Stuart R. Hammett on December 28, 1957. She was a devoted homemaker while raising five children. She transitioned to employment at Wurlitzer and Northern Illinois University.

She was selfless in everything that she did. She was a tireless cheerleader for all of her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s endeavors. She was an avid Cubs fan and loved watching storms roll in from her kitchen window.

Following her retirement from Northern Illinois University, Rita discovered her love for volunteering. The Ellwood House, the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry and the Country Store Thrift Store all benefited from her touch.

She is survived by her children, Steve, his daughter Brittany Hammett (Nick Mertens), Laura (Perry) Gordon and their children, McKenzie (Nick) and Wes, Diane (Jonathan) Chappell, Paul (Ruthanne) and their daughters Madison and Lauren and grandson Raylan; her daughter-in-law, Cathy her children MiKe (Kate) and son Levi; Jim (Amanda) and their children, Nora, Lucas, Zachary and Andrew; Jessie (Jason) Shearer and children, Derrick and Devynn; her siblings, Roger Steimel, Elaine Gray, Mary Duru and John (Marlene) Steimel; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart; son, Cliff; grandson, Ryan; sister-in-law, Caryl Steimel; brother-in-law, William “Willie” Gray.

The family would like to thank the staff of the DeKalb County Nursing Home and Promedica Hospice for their care and support.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 321 Pine Street, DeKalb with Fr. Russell officiating. Burial will follow services at Afton Township Cemetery in rural DeKalb.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Voluntary Action Center https://vacdk.com in memory of Rita Hammett.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.

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