Margaret Elizabeth Hammer

Margaret Elizabeth Hammer October 15, 1930 – January 12, 2025

Margaret Elizabeth Hammer, age 94, of Panhandle, TX, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on January 12, 2025, surrounded by the family she deeply loved and devoted her life to. She leaves behind countless memories of a life lived with faith, love, and dedication.

Margaret was born on October 15, 1930, and grew up in a close-knit Catholic family. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and married Eugene Leroy “Gene” Hammer in 1949. Together, they raised 15 children while moving across several Texas towns, including Canyon, Vega, Tulia and Panhandle. Wherever life took them, Margaret ensured their home was a place filled with warmth, love and faith while welcoming all as family.

A skilled seamstress, Margaret created clothing for her family, including school clothes, suits, and even blue jeans. Her sewing machine was constantly at work, especially during holidays and the start of the school year. She also maintained an impressive garden, growing and canning enough food to sustain her family through the winter. Beyond her work at home, Margaret served her community as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at St. Ann’s Nursing Home, providing compassionate care for almost 20 years.

Margaret was also a talented artist, known for her detailed pencil sketches of portraits, landscapes, and wildlife. Music was another of her many gifts—she could play the piano by ear, bringing joy to her family through her love of music. In her free time, she enjoyed bowling, playing dominoes (Texas 42), cards, and marbles, always cherishing moments spent with family and friends.

Her life was deeply rooted in faith, and she was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and long-time member of St. Theresa’s Christian Mothers and DCCW. Margaret was at one time named Woman of the Year by Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Margaret’s strength, love, and wisdom guided her family through life’s challenges, and even after Gene’s passing in 1988, she continued to be a source of inspiration and support for her children and grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Henry J . and V. Clara Batenhorst, seven brothers, husband Gene and three sons: Jack , Philip and Jerome Hammer. She is survived by one sister, Bernadette Spurgeon of Austin, TX, and 12 children: Trudy (Lee) Cogswell, Sharon (Bill) Stephens, Eugene (Kristie) Hammer, Donald Hammer, Margaret Ann (Jesse) Martinez, Roni Wilburn, Robert Hammer, Tommy (Dianne) Hammer, Catherine Allen, Melvin (Kim) Hammer, Kevin (Mistala) Hammer, and Brent (Sarah) Hammer, two daughter-in-laws: Adeline (wife of Jack deceased) and Kayla (wife of Philip deceased). One special brother-in-law, Charles Banks of Canyon, TX. In addition, 30 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Margaret often said, “Family is one of nature’s greatest masterpieces.” She lived her life with this belief at its core, creating a foundation of faith and love that will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Viewing and visitation with family Tuesday from 5-7pm at Minton Chatwell on Main Street, Panhandle, TX. Rosary will be at 6:00 PM on Wednesday January 15th, funeral mass will be on Thursday, January 16th at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church on Spur 293, Panhandle, TX;