Mildred 'Millie' Arlene Hammer, age 73, of Hot Springs, SD passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at Fall River Hospital in Hot Springs.

Mildred, "Millie", was born January 2, 1935 at home in Crawford, Nebraska to Elmer and Jennie Sternhagen. As a young girl she lived with her family in Sioux County Nebraska. She attended school in a one room school house, in Dist. 44, starting at the age of 4. She also attended Table Center school, and Evergreen school in Dawes County Nebraska. She attended high school in Crawford for two years and then graduated from Chadron High School in 1951. On completion of high school she worked for an attorney in Chadron.

During the polio outbreak in the mid-1940's, her father Elmer did not allow his children to go into town. When he asked Mildred what she would like to do, she said she would like to learn to crochet. Her father brought home a book, a hook and a ball of yarn which Mildred used to teach herself to crochet. She continued to crochet her entire life until she could no longer see to do so. Throughout the years Mildred also enjoyed sewing for her friends, family, her children and of course their dolls.

On October 12, 1952 she married Ernest Hammer in Chadron, Nebraska. They settled in Custer, SD where she became the mother of two daughters, Diane and Carmen. In 1957 she moved with her husband and family to Home on the Range, WY, later known as Jeffery City. During their time in Wyoming her family grew with the birth of another daughter, Bonnie and a son, Michael. While her primary roll was mother and homemaker, she also worked for two newspapers and worked at the local theater selling concessions. She was also involved in both Girl and Boy Scouts and the 4-H program. Mildred was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, which she and Ernest helped establish. In 1968, they moved to Gordon, NE where Mildred worked in the nursing home as a nurse aide. Mildred then moved with her family to Hot Springs, SD in 1970 where they owned and operated Ernie's Standard. Also she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Does. In April 2002 Mom was awarded the Scouter's Wife Award for support of her husband in the scouting program.

After they sold the service station, they spent a short time in Virginia then moved back to Hot Springs where Millie worked at the Ben Franklin Store. When the Ben Franklin closed, Millie realized one of her dreams by opening Emerald Fabrics which she owned and operated for several years. After this she worked on the Green Thumb Program at the Southern Hills Hospital, the Assessor's Office and the Clerk of Courts for Fall River County until retirement.

Upon her retirement Mildred taught herself how to operate her home computer.
She did extensive work with old family pictures and family history on the computer, including converting negatives to pictures. The computer opened a whole, new world for Millie as she learned more and explored so much. She was able to reconnect with old friends and family which was very important to her.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Hammer, one brother Alvin Sternhagen and her parents Elmer and Jennie Sternhagen.

Mildred is survived by her children, Diane Hammer, Hot Springs, SD; Carmen (Tony) Coffield, Wheatland, WY; Bonnie (Scott) Duncan, Cheyenne, WY; and Michael (Della) Hammer, Mitchell, SD; a brother Leroy (Loyce) Sternhagen, North Little Rock, AR; and sisters Wilma (Skip) Eaton, Chadron, NE; Barbara (Loyd) Doty, Summerville, TN; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., with the Order of the Eastern Star Rites beginning at 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 27, 2008 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 28, 2008 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Pastor Peter Dahlberg officiating. Interment will follow at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans' Home Cemetery.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.