ERNEST HAMMOND obituary

Ernest R. "Ralph" Hammond, 86, a retired heavy equipment operator, died March 12, 2003, at a Havre care facility of natural causes.

Celebration of Life is 11 a.m. on Monday at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church with the Rev. Rowlie Hutton officiating. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery. Fellowship will follow the Committal Rite at the Church.

Ralph was born on July 16, 1916, to J.W. and Bessie Johnston Hammond at Froid in Roosevelt County. He was educated in Roosevelt County.

Ralph married Lillian Burch in Havre on Jan. 31, 1973. Ralph worked for Roosevelt County for many years before moving to Shelby and working for Getter Co. After working in Shelby for many years, he moved to Havre. He worked for the Abercrombie Co. for many years, retiring from this company at age 75.

Ralph was a member of the Sixth Avenue Christian Church for many years. He was an active member of this congregation, serving as a deacon for many years.

Hammond is preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Bessie Johnston Hammond; one sister; one brother; and one step-son.

Survivors include his wife, Lillian Hammond of Havre; his daughters, Kathy Carpenter of Sterling, Colo., Donna McKenzie, Dennise McKenzie, Shirley Hagel, Karen Long, all of Washtucna, Wash.; son, Donald Hammond of Havre; adopted daughter, Christina Hammond; stepchildren, William "Billy" Sargent, Gaile Labbe', Eallan Sargent, all of Havre; Sherry Fennell of Minot, N.D.; Linda Bosworth, West Fargo, N.D.; 21 grandchildren, including the granddaughter he raised, Trisha Wymore of Havre; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Memorials in Ralph's honor may be made to The Little Rockies Christian Camp, Landusky, MT 59524.

Services and arrangements are by Holland and Bonine Funera