Paula J. (Riggs) Hamm

Paula J. Hamm, 83, passed away at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood, KS on February 23rd, 2018. Paula was born on March 31st, 1934 in Leon, KS to George W. & R. Pauline (Parks) Riggs. She graduated from El Dorado HS in 1952 and later Wichita University in 1956 with a Bachelor’s degree in music education. She married Eldon Hamm on April 10th, 1955 at the First Methodist Church in El Dorado, KS. Mrs. Hamm was an Ellinwood resident since 1956 where she taught music for 25 years at USD 355 Ellinwood Grade School. Memberships include St. John’s Lutheran Church and former member at Grove Park Golf Club. She was very active in the church where she was part of the worship committee, played the church organ, performed in the choir, and at many funerals and weddings. She also loved golfing, going on trips in the RV with family and rarely missed a home game for her beloved Wichita State Shocker basketball team.  

Survivors include husband, Eldon Hamm, Ellinwood, KS; daughters, Jaymee (Rege) Hall, Danville, IN, Sheryl (Chris) Elliott, Great Bend, KS; brother, Don (Colleen) Riggs, Portland, OR; sister-in-law, Freddye Riggs, San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Parker (Ashley) Hall, Danville, IN, Jordan (Michelle) Elliott, Ellinwood, KS, and Nicholas Elliott, Kansas City, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Larry & Weldon Max Riggs.

Memorial service will be Tuesday, February 27th at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellinwood with Rev. Thomas Thierfelder officiating. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Ellinwood Hospital Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be posted at www.minnischapel.org 

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