Shirley L. Hammond

Longtime Carson City resident Shirley L. Hammond peacefully passed away, through the stars, early Tuesday morning, Dec. 4, 2007 in Sparks, Nev. She was 78.

Just a few brief hours earlier, Shirley dined with neighbors at Alterra Wynwood in Sparks, made Christmas plans with her daughter, Gigi, and enjoyed an uplifting phone call with her beloved best friend of 75 years, Barbara Jacobsen of Sebastopol, Calif.

Born July 6, 1929 in Oakland, Calif., Shirley Luella Scott was the second child of Hobart and Mary Day Scott. In 1958, Shirley married Ross Hammond, her husband of four decades. As a resident of the Silver State, she was employed as a secretary at the Nevada National Guard.

Shirley was a Past Worthy Matron of Esther Chapter No. 3 in the Order of the Eastern Star of Nevada, and she and Ross were active in the Kerak Shrine organizations. Shirley enjoyed reading, cooking, shopping, lunch dates with friends, and the companionship and comic-relief of her beloved Cocker Spaniel, Pebbles.

Near-and-dear to Shirley's heart, too, were Skipper and Sweet Pea, Chihuahuas who never left Shirley's side. She enjoyed many years of activities and fellowship at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center. Her many friendships were a testament to Shirley's natural grace, gregarious personality and sparkling sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Ross. Shirley Hammond is survived by a sister, Patricia (Ed) Ebke, San Jose, Calif.; a daughter, Gigi Miller-Smith (Ted), Sparks; a grandson, Kevin Miller, Reno; one great-granddaughter, Aurora Miller ... and of course, her Best Friend Forever, Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley's name may be made to the Nevada Humane Society, 2825 Longley Lane, Reno, NV 89502.

A remembrance and celebration of Shirley Hammond's life will be held on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Nevada Room of the Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 901 Beverly Drive, Carson City, Nevada 89701. Dessert and coffee will be served.