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 was scheduled for this morning at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church with burial to follow at the Highland Cemetery.

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, 1976. 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 the 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 was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Bessie Johnston Hammond; two sisters; one brother; and one stepson.

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 Labb, Eallan Sargent, all of Havre; Sherry Fennell of Minot, N.D.; Linda Bosworth of West Fargo, N.D.; brother, Paul Hammond of Sidney; sisters, June Buchanan of Yakima, Wash., Florence Harriman of Sandy, Utah, and Beeb Erling of Scobey; 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.