Deborah Ann Hammond, 74, of Blaine, MN, formerly of Gold Beach, OR and Washington, IL passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Blaine, MN.

She was born April 30, 1950 in Peoria to the late Theodore D. and Nora N. Golden Piper. She married William E. Hammond on February 11, 1972 in Washington.

Surviving are her two sons, Brian (Michelle) Hammond of Germantown Hills and Brad (Kelli) Hammond of Blaine, MN; her grandchildren, Isabel, Griffin, Will, Ada, and Cora; her companion, Karl Joiner of Gold Beach, OR; brothers, Dan (Jackie) Piper of Galesburg and Dave (Susan) Piper of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her brother Doug and one nephew.

Debbie grew up in Washington, graduating from Washington Community High School in 1968. She worked for Grimm Bros. Trucking and enjoyed a long career with the US Postal Service, ultimately retiring from her dream job as Postmaster at Ophir, OR. In 2001, she moved to Gold Beach, OR, where she found true happiness and deep fulfillment living there and in sharing life with Karl. Oregon was the perfect place to spend time doing things she loved, like fishing, hiking, and exploring the coast and its natural beauty. Despite the distance, she maintained her special bond with her friends, Shelley McGlaughlin and Linda Franklin, whom she had been close to since high school. She loved her family,

and especially adored her grandkids who adored their Granny in return. Other things that brought Debbie joy were playing cards (especially euchre), cats, and collecting owls.

A special thank you is owed to Karl for selflessly and lovingly caring for Debbie as long as he could, and to Shelley for frequently visiting her in Minnesota, advocating for her, and ensuring she continued to be well cared for.

Debbie's family will receive friends from 10:00am-noon Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Cremation rites have been accorded and her ashes will be returned to her favorite places on the Oregon coast.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.