Kathy Sue Hamm
January 7, 1949 ~ September 1, 2021
Kathy Sue Hamm, age 72, of New Braunfels passed away at home on September 1, 2021 from complications due to heart failure. She was born the daughter of Ralph and Kitty Dreyer on January 7, 1949 in Yoakum, Texas, and she grew up in Victoria. She attended Victoria High School, danced on the Victoria drill team, and graduated in 1967. She attended Victoria College prior to getting married to Ray Noble Riggs of Victoria in 1969.
They started a family and lived in San Antonio and then Austin before returning to Victoria in 1981. Kathy dedicated her life as a mother and homemaker to her daughters, Shawna and Kristin. She became “Nannie” when her grandchildren were born. Her first husband, Ray, passed away in 1998 from cancer.
Feeling “called” to the hill country, Kathy resettled in New Braunfels where she met and married her husband, Gerald (Jerry) Hamm, in 2002. They spent 19 happy years together enjoying walks in their neighborhood, relaxing on the porch watching the foxes, deer, and blue martins, and raising their Westie pups.
Kathy was a 10 year metastatic breast cancer survivor. She enjoyed oil painting. She treasured her time with her family more than anything. Most importantly, she knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she was a passionate witness to that faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, Ray Noble Riggs. Kathy is survived by her husband, Gerald (Jerry) Hamm; daughters Shawna (Mark) Degitz and Kristin (Phil) Hampsten; stepson Steven (Mary) Hamm; grandchildren Heather (25), Jacob (23), and Mia (19) Degitz, Noble (13) and Luke (10) Hampsten, Spencer Hamm (25), and Shaun Garza(24); sister Peggy (Michael) Macha; and of course her precious Westies, Buttons and Joey.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 at 10:30am at First United Methodist Church in New Braunfels. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make donations either to METAvivor or American Cancer Society.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you . We love you.
Kathy was one of the first people I met in Victoria. After our English teacher, Mrs. Ortiz, arranged us alphabetically. She sat to my right. My family moved there in the summer before my sophomore year. I found a beautiful and nice girl. After graduating, I lost track of her. Earlier this year, I reconnected with another VHS 67 graduate. When I saw a posting of American flags for veterans, I posted a picture I took of the Omaha cemetery in Normandy on June 6, 2018 Shortly, I received a surprise, Kathy’s sister-in-law, Ann (Riggs) Essary was there the same day on Omaha. While chatting with Ann, I discovered Kathy was previously married to Ann’s brother. I, eventually, was able to talk with Kathy about a month ago. While talking, I mentioned that I almost ran into Ann on Omaha Beach. I said Ann was selected to present a wreath for the Second Infantry Division since her father landed on D-Day÷1, Kathy said her father was in the First Infantry Division and landed on D-Day. Neither Ann nor Kathy were aware thir father’s were on Omaha at the same time. I hope this helped Kathy and Ann in their memory of their hero fathers.
Sending you our warmest condolences and thoughts of peace and courage.
Shawna, Mark and Family, From the first time Mark met you Shawna, I always heard how wonderful Ray and Kathy were. Although I never met them, knowing you, and loving you as part of our family, I know they must have beautiful people. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family as you cope with your Mother’s passing. Love you, Lissa & Duane
May Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest. Wishing you peace to bring comfort and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
In my thoughts and prayers
With deepest sympathy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Loving memories will comfort you during this sad time.
Kathy, from the day we met as new neighbors Gene and I found you to be one of the sweetest people we had ever met. Your kind and sweet voice set you apart. We will always remember you and Jerry walking your dogs and always waving. What I will always remember was you jogging in the early darkness of morning and Jerry following in the car for your safety. That just left a mark on all of us in so many ways. You were missed the first day we did not see you two walking the dogs. As neighbors we were all asking if we knew if something was wrong. You were so loved by your neighbors and have already been missed.
Linda and I remember many good times with Ray & Kathy in Victoria. Good friends, good memories that we call life. Thanks for both. Hugh & Linda Hanes
In loving memory of your Mom/Nanny. We are so sorry for your loss.