Betty Rose Hammond, a member of the Greatest Generation, left this life on Tuesday July 17, 2012 after losing her courageous battle with cancer at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at Laurie Ann Nursing Home in Newton Falls. Betty was born on June 11, 1924 in Tiffin, OH to Zula Fern (Krupp) Birch and Charles Birch. She was one of five children in a loving family and liked to tell stories of her childhood. During World War II Betty was one of the almost 400,000 women that served in the armed forces. She joined the US Navy and served for almost two years as a WAVE. Betty completed boot camp in New York City and was stationed at the Navy Yard in Washington,DC. She married George David Hammond, also a US Navy Veteran, in December 1942 and together they had six children. Betty made her home in Lake Milton, Ohio from 1950 to 2012. There she had wonderful neighbors that kept a careful and loving eye on her - for this her family is grateful. She was an active member of Lake Milton Presbyterian Church for years- teaching Bible School, and Sunday School, and was involved in many other ways. Betty had a charitable heart and a generous soul, her children believe this is one of the greatest gifts she gave them. There was always room at the Hammond table for one more friend or neighbor kid. She created many keepsakes for a prison ministry as well as many crafts for family and friends. Her hands were never still. One year she crocheted 387 crosses for mission gifts. Betty was also a room mother and in PTA for everyone of her children. In addition she worked the band booth at Jackson-Milton Football games on many cold nights.

Betty will be lovingly missed by her children, David (Patti) Hammond of Diamond, Patricia (John) Firby of Palmyra, Mike (Patty) Hammond of Lordstown, Kathy (Bill) Bodnar of Cuyahoga Falls, Rebecca Hammond (Phil Lombard) of Ferndale, MI, and Susan (Tim) Holub of Newton Falls. She also leaves 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great- great granddaughter. Betty helped care for every one of these children at one point or another until late in her life. Betty is also survived by a dear sister and brother, Eileen Shumaker and John Birch of Tiffin, and two loving sister- in- laws Donna Birch and Edna Hammond. She was preceded in death by her husband George Hammond, her parents, Zula and Charles Birch, two brothers James and Howard Birch, and many other loved ones who are waiting to greet her.

Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends for calling hours on Friday July 20, 2012 from 6-8 pm at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls. Memorial services will be at the funeral home on Saturday July 21, 2012 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Bo Schneider officiating the service. Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband George at Vaughn Cemetery in Lake Milton. The family has asked that all donations please be made to the Lake Milton Presbyterian Church 942 Grandview Rd. Lake Milton, OH 44429. Betty's family would like to thank the staff at Laurie Ann Nursing Home and MVI Hospice for the loving care they provided for Betty at the end of her life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home 8 East Broad Street Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com