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Violet Mae Hammond, 94

Violet Mae Hammond, 94, of Rathdrum, Idaho, was called home on Dec. 19, 2017, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Mom was born May 31, 1923, in Greeley, Colo., to Knude and Francis (Areta) Willadsen. She was the oldest of four children. She had three younger brothers, Eugene, Marvin and Phillip.

Mom lived a dream life growing up on a large ranch in Granite Canyon, Wyo., where they raised sheep, cattle and horses. Mom carried her love of those days until her last. She always had a story of life on the ranch and seemed to bring you home with her each and every time she shared those fond memories.

Mom acquired an accounting degree from the university in Cheyenne, Wyo., and always kept a sharp pen on affairs. Directly out of school, World War II sent her working for a bomber repair facility. It was during that time — while attending a U.S.O. dance, that she met the love of her life, Stan Hammond — who was serving in the U.S. Army.

Mom and Dad were married Oct. 2, 1945, in Cheyenne, and shortly afterward, Dad’s longing for the mountains he grew up in brought them home to North Idaho. Mom left her beloved ranch and family behind to start a new life and love. Together, they started a very robust family, having 10 children, Jack, Leola, Don, Sandi, Monte, Sheryl, Wayne, Ken, Randy and Curt.

Raising 10 kids was a strain in itself. “Dr. Mom” dealt with everything from cuts and bruises to a son’s brain injury, Dad being shot in a hunting accident, and the loss of two-month-old Leola to pneumonia.

Even through the worst, Mom pushed on with “what had to be done.” Even with her busy life as homemaker, she managed to somehow find time to be a guiding force in the Rathdrum Fire Auxiliary and V.F.W. for many years, and became a community pillar. Mom loved working in her incredible garden, canning, camping, fishing, hunting and making blankets for the youngest family additions. Most of all, Mom was a pillar of life. Her love, compassion, honesty, guidance, and passiveness were incomparable traits. It would be hard to believe that anyone could be admired and loved more by her family.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Leola; son, Monte; brother, Marvin Willadsen and husband of 63 years, Stan Hammond. She is survived by her daughters, Sandi (Al) Benjamin and Sheryl (Steve) Olson; and sons, Jack (Connie), Don (Kimberly), Wayne (Lynne), Ken (Char), Randy (Angie) and Curt (Casey) Hammond; two brothers; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews, who all love her very much.

Mom, your hand, gentle or stern, was the guiding force for so many lives. You’ve always been the light to return to, or the warm blanket on a cold night. No one could have stood so fast, yet so soft. No one could have a stronger hand to lift us up nor a gentler hand to hold us back when needed. What you left us with is pure, uncontested, unconditional LOVE. Thank you, Mom. God Bless and Welcome Home.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Sandi for her selfless care for Mom during the hardest times. Until the end she was at Mom’s side. Thank you, Sis!

Mom’s funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, with a viewing at 9 a.m. at Yates Funeral Homes — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho. Burial will follow at Pinegrove Cemetery, Rathdrum, Idaho, with a reception after the graveside at Rathdrum Lions Club.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Violet’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.