Lois Hammarlund

McPherson-Lois Melva Hammarlund, 90, formerly of Maple Hill, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2013 at her home in McPherson. She was born January 6, 1923 in the Kaw Township, Wabaunsee County Kansas on the farm of her grandparents Mose and Adele Murphy, the daughter of Emmett H. and Melva Murphy Stambaugh. She was raised in Kaw Township and on a farm near Paxico. Mrs. Hammarlund graduated from Paxico High School in 1941 and was president of the class. She attended McPherson College from 1941 until 1943 receiving her teaching certificate. Mrs. Hammarlund taught school at Kiowa, Maple Hill and Alma. She later was a rural mail carrier for many years at Maple Hill retiring in 1988. Lois was a member of the Maple Hill Community Congregational Church where she was a church organist for 60 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Beulah Chapter in Topeka. Mrs. Hammarlund was the Grand Chapter organist (1981-1982). She played for hundreds of weddings and funerals throughout the area. On May 25, 1947 she was united in marriage to Howard Henry Hammarlund at the Maple Hill Community Congregational Church. He passed away September 25, 1984. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Edwin Stambaugh. Survivors include her son, Ted (Cheryl) Hammarlund, McPherson; two grandsons, Daniel, Wichita and Scott, Manhattan; a sister-in-law, Betty Stambaugh, Topeka; three nephews, and a niece. Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at the Maple Hill Community Congregational Church. Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Hammarlund will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday, February 18, 2013 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maple Hill Community Congregational Church and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.