Ella Louise Hammer, age 72, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2015 in Kerrville, Texas.
She was born July 19, 1943 in Hope, Arkansas to Joseph and Glendean Lively. She was the oldest of three children.
Louise graduated with honors from Hope High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and editor of the school newspaper.
In the fall of 1960, Hurricane Carla called for the evacuation of Gulf Coast residences. Derwood Hammer hitched a ride with a friend who had family in Hope. After a brief courtship, Derwood and Louise married on January 26, 1962 in Port Arthur, Texas. They lived in Port Arthur several years during which they had 3 children, Sandy, Randy and Wendy.
Louise was a remarkable person. A very dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, mentor and Christian. In her younger years she was an active member of Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Church in Nederland, Texas where she was music director and Sunday School teacher.
In 1972, she supported her husband as he dedicated himself to becoming an ordained minister. They traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada spreading the Gospel. In 1981 they accepted a position as pastor and pastor’s wife at Kerrville Apostolic Church where they stayed until 1992. They returned to pastor Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Church for 13 years before retiring in the Hill Country in 2006.
Louise had many hobbies and interests but none trumped her love of people. She was a teacher at heart and was willing to encourage and counsel those in need. Her passion was reading and studying God’s word and sharing with others how to apply the teachings of the Bible to daily living. She promoted Christian principles and believed in living life with a purpose. She was a prayer warrior.
She was a wonderful homemaker who enjoyed decorating and creating a warm welcoming atmosphere. There was always room for one more at her table. She was an accomplished cook and avid gardener. She had a beautiful voice which she used to sing and worship inspiring many others.
Her favorite pastime was reading to her grandchildren, swimming and working crossword puzzles.
She was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed by all her knew her…her influence will  remain and fond memories will be cherished.
She is survived by her husband, Derwood Hammer of Kerrville; daughter, Sandra Lynn Keller and husband Dennis Keller of Kerrville; son, Douglas Randolf Hammer and wife Karen Hammer of Port Arthur, Texas; daughter, Wendy Marie Massey and husband Danny Massey of Kerrville; grandchildren, Dallas and Lacey Coon, Rev. Dustin and Jacie Coon, Logan and Amanda Massey, Tobin and Paige Massey, Morgan and Nate Hyde, Macy and Daniel Moreaux, Miles and Micah Hammer; great grandchildren, Stetson, Ford and Lincoln Coon, Denver, Devon and Denim Coon,  Maleah, Ella Miley and Layla Hyde, and Ellayna, Easton and Cooper Massey; sister in law, Tammye Griffin; nieces, Brittany and Breanna Lively; and lifelong friends, Rev. Chris and Mrs. Shirley Gilmer and Mr. Joe and Mrs. Rebekah Derese.
She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Lanier Lively and Hazel Glendean Lively; her brothers, Joseph Lanier Lively II and Charles Edmond Louis Lively; son-in-law, Rev. Stephen Wayne Coon and grandson, Justin Wayne Coon.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Kerrville Apostolic Church with visitation from 4:00pm-6:45pm. Interment will be Wednesday, October 21, 2015.
Condolences may be sent to www.grimesfuneralchapels.com  by selecting the “Send Condolences” link.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.