Clarice L. Hammer

Clarice Lucille was born on May 17th, 1936, to Henry and Ethel Collett in Marion Kansas.

Clarice was the middle child of 9, and raised on the family farm, just outside of town. She recalled her youth as “a simple time”, filled with time spent wading in the creek, milking cows, cleaning chickens, tending gardens, and trying to avoid being kidnapped by the traveling gypsies, who would take up camp just down the road from the farmstead.

She attended school at the small country schoolhouse just down the road. The kind that was uphill, coming and going; Snow up past the horse’s ears! Sundays were services at the Youngtown Methodist Church, listening to her dad sing with the men’s choir, belting out the harmonies of the old gospel songs. Melodies that she enjoyed until her final hours.

When she was in her early teens, her older sister convinced her to attend a cake walk at the neighboring school, where she was a new teacher. Reluctantly, she went and met the young boy that would change her life forever. From that point on, Bill Hammer was the twinkle in her eye. They attended Marion High School, graduating one year apart. Clarice worked part-time at the local Duckwall’s store, when not marching at Bill’s football games, playing one mean trombone!

After high school, Clarice took a job at the local ASCS office as a clerk. Her and Bill were married on January 22nd, 1956, on a snowy winter’s day. She worked there until sometime in November of that year, when she bent over to retrieve something from the lower file cabinet drawer, and the button of her slacks popped off, flying across the room, hitting her boss’ desk. Yep, she was pregnant, and in those days, being pregnant in an office setting was a no-no. She had hid her pregnancy for as long as she could!

Jeanne was born to them in May of ’57, followed by Rita in ’58, and Mike in ’60. A move to Newton, Ks in 1962 started a new era for Clarice. She started doing home daycare. Kids crawling everywhere, but she relished every minute of it, only biting one poor child. Next came Dennis, in “63, and Eric in “67. Five would be the perfect number, according to Bill.

A move to Olathe Kansas, in the winter of 1970, started the next phase of her life. She went to work at the Johnson County Health Department for a few years before transferring to the Johnson County Election Office, where she worked until retirement.

In addition to working full-time during these years, she was a full-time chauffeur, chef, scout leader, homework helper, cookie baker, gardener, cheerleader, scraped knee patcher,

and occasionally, negotiator when, an angry schoolteacher would call the house because one of her son’s was, “not acting acceptably”.

Once her children had all left her nest, she and Bill enjoyed long motorcycle trips, tending to their home and gardens, attending Shrine functions, but mostly, doting over their 10 grandchildren.

Clarice and Bill enjoyed nearly 70 wonderful years of marriage, until Bill’s passing in December of 2024. Clarice spent 465 days without him. Though she was content, she longed to join him, and dance with him in the streets of heaven.

Clarice was preceded in death by her parents, and her eldest daughter Jeanne Owens, and her Bill. She also follows her sisters, Marge Talbott and Roma Skaggs, and Brother Steve Collett through the gates.

She is survived by her daughter Rita Hunt (Steve), and sons Mike (Patty), Dennis (Janet), Eric (Becca), and Son-In-Law, Vernon Owens. Grandchildren, Lesley Owens, Sarah Hammer, Austin Hunt, Michael Hammer, Jake Hammer, Will Hammer, Nick Hammer, Tucker Hammer, Zoe Hammer, and August Hammer, along with their spouses and significant others. Clarice was also oh so proud of her 6 (soon to be 8) Great-Grandchildren. Her brothers, Howard, Mark (Mickey) and Stacey (Carla) Collett, and sisters Shirley Bowers, Anita Sly, and her Brother-in-Law, Gary Hammer (Debbie). She also leaves a great number of nieces and nephews, that she adored.

Clarice’s passing will also leave a big hole in the heart of her dear friend of 65 years, Karen Browning. Oh, the shenanigans those two experienced!

Clarice’s family would like to extend a huge, heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff at The Healthcare Resort of Olathe. The way you treated both Mom and Dad over the last 2 ½ years, will always be appreciated.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, March 28th at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, in Olathe, Ks. Family will receive visitors at 1:00, with a service beginning at 3:00.

To leave a special message for her family or to share a memory of Clarice, please visit the guestbook below.