Bonna Dee Hammond

April 13, 1915 - February 10, 2012

Mrs. Bonna Dee (Bonna Dee) Hammond, 96, of La Junta died on Friday, February 10th, 2012 peacefully at Arkansas Valley Regional Nursing Center - East, LaJunta, CO. Bonna Dee was born in Rocky Ford, CO on April 13, 1915, the daughter of the late Ben and Ellen Dee (Lawless) Nixon. She graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1933 then from University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts with Honors, where she was a member of the Delta Phi Delta. She also did graduate work at Adam's State College and the University of Arizona. She married William Laurence Hammond on Dec. 1, 1933. He preceded her in death on March 1, 1998, after 64 years of marriage. She was a dedicated English/Art Teacher at La Junta High School in La Junta, CO., retiring in 1978 serving as Chairman of the Art Department of the La Junta High School for 17 years. She also taught Art/Painting at Otero Junior College. She was active in various offices of the Fine Arts League in La Junta and as a member of the Colorado Artist's Association. She was honored to design the Centennial Logo for La Junta. She served as Director of the Art Exhibits at the Picketwire Community Theater. Bonna Dee arranged exhibits, designed programs, logos and scenery designs. She was also a long time member of the PEO Chapter DQ then W. She was an avid lifelong reader and longtime supporter of the Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta. She is survived by: Granddaughter Laurel wife of Dennis Odham of Roanoke, VA; Grandson Gregory husband of Christina Hammond of Dexter, MI; Great-Grandson Grayson Odham of Roanoke, VA; Great-Granddaughter Amanda Campbell of Roanoke, VA; Great-Granddaughter Caitlin Hammond of Dexter, MI; Great-Grandson Zane Hammond of Dexter, MI; Great-Granddaughter Brigit Hammond of Dexter, MI. She was preceded in death by a son: Laurence Travis Hammond in 2003; 2 brothers: George and Gene Nixon. Services are private at the convenience of family at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home, Rocky Ford, CO. There will be no viewing as cremation has been effected. Inurnment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO. Memorials may be made to the Picketwire Players Theater; P.O. Box 912; La Junta, CO 81050; www.picketwireplayers.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.