Maralyn Hammond

Maralyn Russell Hammond, 71, of Litchfield, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Gillespie Health & Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Hammond was born on November 15, 1951, in Springfield, a daughter to Boyd and Ann (Warner) Russell. She graduated Athens High School with the class of 1970, earned an Associate of Arts in English & Writing from Lincoln Land Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Sangamon State University. She married Dale L. Hammond on January 17, 1976, at Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Raymond; Mr. Hammond preceded her in death on July 10, 2017. For more than 40 years, she was employed by the Illinois State Board of Education as an administrative assistant. 

Mrs. Hammond was a member of AFSCME, an avid reader, an Abraham Lincoln scholar who loved history, enjoyed baking and was well-known for her chocolate chip cookies, created intricate works of needlepoint, was a member of Pleasant Hill Christian Church where she taught pre-school Sunday School for 30 years, and enjoyed being with her family.

Mrs. Hammond is survived by

Her sister, Bonnie L. Russell of Williamsville,

Her sister-in-law, Lois (Lester) Peper of Raymond,

2 nieces, Jennifer (Kenny) Felty & Julie (Josh) Nickles,

Her great-niece Lindsey Nickles and her great-nephews, Lucas & Landon Nickles.

Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, James L. Russell.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Raymond; Darrin Daugherty will officiate.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Interment will be at Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend. The family suggests memorials be made to Pleasant Hill Christian Church.