ODIN — Ruby Dell Hamm, age 95, of Odin, Illinois, formerly of Centralia, Illinois, peacefully passed away at 4:38 A.M. on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Odin Healthcare Center in Odin, Illinois. She was born on June 18, 1928, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the daughter of Charlie Mason and Mildred Amelia (Herring) Plain. She married Eugene Harley “Gene” Hamm in 1970 in Salem, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on May 21, 1975.
Mrs. Hamm is survived by her loving family, daughters, Carol Malone of Decatur, Illinois, Gloria Russell and husband Jeff of Decatur, Illinois, Bonnie Aukamp of Oreana, Illinois, Pam Peoples of Centralia, Illinois, and Margaret Mattmiller and husband Charles of Central City, Illinois; son, Mark Henson and wife Lori of Waltonville, Illinois: twenty eight grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Hamm was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Plain and Mildred Plain; son, Gary Henson; daughters, Darlene Bandy and Teresa Reynolds; four brothers; four sisters: and sons-in law, Roger Aukamp and Dickie Peoples.
Mrs. Hamm was of the Baptist faith. She was an officer with the Salvation Army and a Girl Scout Leader. She raised her children in the church and loved playing and singing songs in church with her family. She was a church piano player and a Sunday School Teacher. Mrs. Hamm played numerous instruments by ear with her father in his barber shop playing the piano, organ, guitar, and accordion. Mrs. Hamm enjoyed crocheting, canning and growing a very abundant garden. She had a sweet tooth and loved candy of all kinds. Mrs. Hamm cherished the time she spent with her family and loved to fish with them. She always had a smile since she was so happy, and she had a contagious giggle.
Mrs. Hamm was a mother and housewife, who raised eight children. Earlier in life, she was a caregiver at the Eastern Star Home, in Macon, Illinois, a cook at Langenfeld Restaurant for 2 years, a manager of the Salvation Army Store for 5 years, a grandparent at Hudelson Children’s House for 3 years, and an Elderly Homecare Caregiver for 8 years. She retired in 2008 after raising her children and working at various places throughout her life. She has lived in Odin, Illinois for five years and formerly lived in Centralia, Illinois, since 1968.
A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Ruby Dell Hamm will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois, with Pastor Mike Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois. Friends are invited to meet with Mrs. Hamm’s family from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 29,2024, and Friday, March 1, 2024, from 12:00 P.M. until the time of services at 1:00 P.M. at Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hamm’shonor to the Odin Healthcare Center’s Activities Fundin Odin, Illinois and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Mrs. Hamm’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net.