Rose Marie Hammitt, 74, of Salisbury, died at 9:40 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, at her home.
Funeral services were held on Monday, July 29, 2024 at the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield, with the Rev. Allen Kemme officiating. Burial followed at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Mrs. Hammitt was born the third of three children on Dec. 16, 1949, in Springfield, to James and Doris Livingston. She married Mike Hammitt on Dec. 30, 1972. They worked on their dream home where she could have her horses right outside of her window. Together they traveled, enjoyed time on the farm, hosted family and friends, acquired antique cars, rode motorcycles and enjoyed life. Their greatest joy was raising their daughter, Anna. She especially loved spending time with her granddaughter, Delaney, with whom she shared a very special bond.
She graduated from Springfield High School in 1967. She was employed with the State of Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety where she was manager of the GIS computer section until her retirement. Prior to working at the Department of Nuclear Safety, she worked at the Illinois Department of Transportation for a combined total of over 30 years.
Mrs. Hammitt could almost always be found helping someone. No task was too small or too great. She was an active member of the Church of the Little Flower and the Jacksonville Antique Car Club. She also served on the Curran Gardner Water Board and was instrumental in getting water to the Salisbury community.
She enjoyed horses, her donkeys, Daisy and Doodle, antique cars, crafting, stained glass, jewelry making and going to garage sales with friends. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family and she especially cherished her days with Delaney, whether it be supporting her gymnastics competitions and theater performances, going for pizza at Sam’s Club, or simply picking her up from school. Rosie’s constant, loving presence has undoubtedly shaped Delaney’s life forever.
Mrs. Hammitt is survived by her daughter, Anna (Timothy) Varvel of Springfield; grandchildren, Brycen and Delaney Varvel; siblings, James (Kathy) Livingston of Lake Okeechobee, FL, and Mary (Bill) Hayen of Raymond; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hosptial, Nikki Mitchell Foundation, 1606 Porter Rd., #100 Nashville, TN 37206 or Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703.
