Barbara J. Hamm

Barbara J. Hamm, 89, of Rossville, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2015, at Milner Community Health Center in Rossville.

She was born on April 23, 1926, in Frankfort, to Owen and Velma Miller Reed.  On December 30, 1945, she married Arthur L. “Pete” Hamm; he preceded her in death on October 21, 1983.

Barbara graduated from Monitor High School.  Barbara and Pete owned and operated H&K IGA in Rossville for 19 years.  She later retired after 30 years with Purdue University as the Head of Staff Benefits and Payroll.  She was a house mom for Tri Delta Sorority for four years also.  Barbara was a member of Rossville Presbyterian Church, Order of the Eastern Star and the Purdue Retirees Club; she was an avid Purdue Basketball and Football and Indiana Pacers fan.  Along with her husband, Barbara taught square dancing.

Surviving are two sons, Kevin (Julie) Hamm of Clarks Hill, and Brian (Jamie) Hamm of Indianapolis; daughter-in-law, Judy Hamm of Fishers; brother, Owen “Dick” (Dell) Reed of Rossville; sisters, Clara (Dick) Mavity of Lafayette, and Kay (Dewey) Tipmore of Bay City, MI; 17 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, three sons, Don, Leon, and Larry; and one brother, Robert “Bob” Reed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015, at Genda Funeral Home Rossville Chapel from 2:00 p.m. to the start of the funeral service at 4:00 p.m.  Rev. Ruby Kleymann will officiate.  Burial will be held on Monday, September 14, 2015, at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to American Diabetes Association or Rossville Presbyterian Church.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.