“One thing that really sets her apart as a person is her ability to take charge of situations,” fellow volunteer and friend Barb Bockey said.

“She’s a great leader, very capable of running things. She’s currently president of the Catholic Ladies of Columbia and she was president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for a number of years.”

Hammons’ volunteer work started with the VFW Auxiliary after her husband passed away and picked up from there.

“I met my husband, Robert, at a dance in Fort Jennings. We were married for 43 years. He was an Army veteran and when he passed away back in 1996, I needed something to do,” Hammons said. “One of the members of the VFW Auxiliary invited me to join and I’ve been there ever since. I really enjoy it. Everyone is really friendly; they look out for each other.”