Barbara Ann Hammer

Barbara Ann, cherished mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away on October 5, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 6, 1935, in Houston, Texas, to the late Annie Riggs and Harold A. Daniells.

Barbara was preceded in death by her devoted husband of more than 55 years, Clifton “LaRoy” Hammer. She is survived by her daughter, Mary LaRetta Hammer Bertram and her three children, Peyton Danielle Bertram, Benjamin David Bertram and Lucas Campbell Hammer Bertram; and by her son, Calvin Daniel “Dan” Hammer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer Hammer and their two children, Wyatt Henry Hammer and Riggs Meyer Hammer.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Kay Daniells Galvan; her son-in-law, David Winston Bertram and her brother-in-law, James Allen Hammer. Barbara is survived by her sister and two brothers-in-law, Patricia “Patsy” Loretta and Felix Marion Scardino, Dennis Eugene Galvan and her sister-in-law, Helen Hancock Hammer, along with countless loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who will miss her deeply yet celebrate every day an extraordinary life well lived.

Barbara was a devout Catholic whose unwavering faith guided every step of her journey. She and LaRoy were longtime parishioners of St. Cecilia Catholic Church for more than 45 years and most recently Barbara attended St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, where she shared her passion for Catholicism with her dear friends and grandsons.

Known for her generosity, kindness and tireless spirit, Barbara volunteered for many years with the Ronald McDonald House and City ArtWorks. Affectionately known as Babs, GMA, G-Mama and Aunt Barbara, family was the heart of her world. For more than 35 years, she and LaRoy hosted the extended family Christmas Eve celebration, gathering 40 + loved ones for food, fellowship, laughter, piñata fun and the joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ—always concluding the evening together at Christmas Eve Mass.

Barbara was a lover of the ocean and spent many cherished years combing the shore for seashells and shark’s teeth, watching pelicans and dolphins and laughing with friends and family at the Galveston beach house she shared with LaRoy.

A 1952 graduate of Incarnate Word Academy, Barbara was a spirited cheerleader and loved to jitterbug. She later attended Loyola University in New Orleans and the University of Houston, where she studied education and met the love of her life, LaRoy. The two married on November 22, 1959 and after a brief time in Dallas, they settled in Houston, where LaRoy began his career with Stewart & Stevenson.

Barbara poured her love into her children, her devotion into her faith and her creativity into all she touched. She started a floral business with her best friend, spent hours playing and traveling with her bridge group and was an early member of the Order of the Pinecone book club, which—50 years later—continues to meet to this day, a testament to the friendships and love she cultivated.

Barbara’s life was a reflection of her deep faith, endless compassion and joyful heart. Her warmth, laughter and legacy of love will continue to shine brightly in all who knew her.

Visitation will be held from 4:30-6:30pm with a vigil to follow at 6:30pm on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. The church service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 10688 Shadow Wood Drive, Houston, Texas 77043 with a reception immediately following at the church community center. The Rite of Committal will follow at 2:00 p.m. Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.