Linda Sue Hammes

April 29, 1941 - April 18, 2013

SOUTH BEND - Linda Ebeling Hammes, 71, of 1907 Churchill Drive, South Bend, died of pulmonary fibrosis in Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family Thursday, April 18, 2013. Linda was a gentle & kind wife, mother and grandmother who loved and was loved by everyone.

She was born in South Bend, Indiana, to Jane (McCallum) and Fred Ebeling, by whom she was predeceased. She attended local schools, graduating from John Adams High School in 1959. She attended South Methodist University and Miami of Ohio. Linda was active in Junior League of South Bend, where she made many friends about whom she cared deeply.

Almost 50 years ago (not 150 as she would tell it) she married Bill Hammes, who survives. Also surviving are her children: Tony (Kristin), Jill (Mark) Marra and Danny (Heidi); her grandchildren: Jonah Hammes, Tyler Hammes, Britney Marra and Johnny Marra; her sister: Julie (Doug) Weaver; her mother-in-law: Sophie; and her sister-in-law: Linda Hammes-Wells.

One of Linda's strongest characteristics was her genuine interest in everyone. For her, personal relationships trumped all else. She did not accept fault in others, she embraced it. A confidante to many, Linda was vulnerable and non-judgmental. She taught her children how to love, and they have awarded her the BFMW (Best Darned Mother in the World).

She loved old things (not necessarily in this order): her husband, 'old fashioned's, and old newspapers (waiting to be read). She had a refreshing disregard for order. Linda's material loves were few: a piano to play as a child, a "new" chin (despite her disappointment that it was not as large as Leno's). Her comforting and reassuring voice came in a gravelly texture, one hoped not in song. There were special places in Linda's heart for her relationship with the "kanu" group and for her memory of family summers at Birch Lake.

She was an avid reader and average bridge player who enjoyed the game. As in life, she cared more about the people with whom she played than the cards she was dealt.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Linda's memory will be held at Riverside Terrace, 426 Lincoln Way East, Mishawaka, Saturday, April 27, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. A buffet will be available. People who wish to reminisce with the family and each other are invited to come and go as they please. All are encouraged to bring a written note about Linda to be placed on a table and shared.

Flowers are discouraged. Donations in Linda's honor may be made to Ronald McDonald House at Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

The family expresses its thanks to Memorial's wonderful staff for their kind care. Bubb Funeral Chapel of Mishawaka assisted the family with arrangements.

02/11/2021 DEC

South Bend Tribune