Margaret Lillian Hammond

BELDING, Mich. — Margaret Lillian Hammond, 96, of Belding, formerly of Ionia, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at Metron of Belding Nursing Center following an extended stay there.

She was born in Battle Creek on June 15, 1921, daughter of Leon DeWitt and Alice Darrow (Lowe) Kanouse, both of whom preceded her in death. She attended rural schools for her elementary education and graduated from Ionia High School with the Class of 1939.

She was a talented musician, playing saxophone in the concert and marching bands throughout high school. She even earned the honor of playing a solo at the commencement exercises for her high school class. Margaret continued her education at Mount Pleasant College, earning a Rural Education Certificate, and then completed her bachelor’s degree in education at Western Michigan University.

She married Floyd Eugene Hammond Jr., on July 4, 1942. The couple exchanged vows in Pontiac, and shared 43 years of marriage prior to his death in 1985.

She enjoyed a 30-year long career in education, teaching in schools in Coldwater, Ionia, Trout Creek and Ewen. Following her “retirement,” she substitute-taught at both Ionia and Belding Schools. It was a labor of love, really, as she thoroughly enjoyed teaching and working with children of all ages. She was a strong woman who fought for what she believed in throughout her life and set a good example for her children, believing that strength did not only come from within, as evidenced by her favorite Bible verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.” She was a member of Shiloh Community Church and enjoyed the love and fellowship of many during her good and full life.

Margaret will be greatly missed by her dear and loving family, including, children, Linda Lou Hammond, Carol Sue (Ernie) Hammond-Seif, of Belding, Margaret Ann Siler, of Coldwater and Dale D. (Valorie) Hammond, of Ionia; 13 grandchildren, Bart, Bret, Heather, Troy, Christ, Tracey, Gina, Ginelle, Jed, Jana, Dylan, Tom, Theresa and Mike; 37 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two children, Eugene Floyd and Janet Marie; and two brothers.

Visitation and funeral services will take place on Wednesday, July 19, at Shiloh Community Church in Orleans, with Pastor Ken Harger officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the funeral will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodard Lake Cemetery.

Those wishing to express their sympathy are welcomed to consider a donation in Margaret’s memory to Shiloh Community Church.

For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at 616-794-1300 or at verdunfh.com.