Rebecca "Becky" J. Hammer

Rebecca J. Hammer, 89, of Shirley, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Becky, as she was known, was born on August 3, 1937, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to the late W. Wayne Topper and Alice C. Charley, the youngest of six children. She graduated from Spiceland High School in 1955 and later followed her passion for helping others by earning her nursing degree from Anderson College School of Nursing in 1985.

Becky dedicated 24 years of service to Delco Remy in Anderson, Indiana, retiring in 1990. Never one to slow down, she began a second fulfilling career in healthcare, working with Anderson Community Hospital, Beverly Enterprises, and Bethany Cares until 2016. She also touched many lives providing compassionate, personal in-home care.

Devoted to her faith and hometown, Becky was an active supporter of the Shirley community and a member of Shirley Christian Church. Alongside her husband, Don, she took special pride in supporting the historic Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House. A lifelong learner with a vibrant spirit, she earned her real estate license as well as officiating licenses for baseball and basketball. She enjoyed camping, gardening, and traveling back to Pennsylvania. Above all, Becky cherished time spent at Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee with her children and grandchildren, as well as attending family reunions and celebrating life with her large extended family.

Becky was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald L. Hammer; her son, Donald W. Hammer, her grandson, Joshua W. Johnson; her parents, W. Wayne Topper and Alice C. Charley; her siblings, Alice Parks, Wayne Topper, Ronald Topper, Dale Topper, and Carol Wright along with several brother and sister-in laws.

Becky is survived by her devoted children, Suzie Johnson of Bedford, IN, Roger (Cindy) Hammer, Russ (Cheryl) Hammer, and Ron (Suzanne) Hammer, all of Knightstown, IN. 10 grandchildren, Kerry (Zac) Zoller of Leadville, CO, Chris (Becky) Johnson, Cory (Jane) Johnson, of Bedford, IN, Ryan (Heather) Hammer of Knightstown, IN, Brad Hammer of Indianapolis, IN, Nick (Ashlin) Hammer of Grable, IN, Cassandra (Ryan) Halcomb of Spiceland, IN, Kiersten (Curtis) Robbins of New Palestine, IN, Wes (Laken) Hammer of New Castle, IN, and Andrew Hammer of Indianapolis, IN. 21 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be considered to the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House, c/o Hancock Community Foundation, 312 E Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140.

Services will be at 1:00 PM Monday, September 28, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, Knightstown Chapel with Pastor Bill Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in McCray Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-5 PM on Sunday. Condolences and memories of Becky may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.