Linda Mae Hammelman, a cherished matriarch and friend, passed away on September 15, 2025, at the age of 83, in Vincennes, IN. Born on November 15, 1941, outside of Edwardsport, IN in the Black Creek area, to Ernest and Robertine Berryman. Linda’s life was a testament to her loving and kind nature.
Linda was the treasured soulmate of Ronald “Ronnie” Hammelman, with whom she shared a life full of love and mutual respect from their marriage on April 30, 1961, until his passing in 2008. She was a beacon of strength and tenderness for her family, leaving behind a legacy through her children, Lisa Chestnut and her husband, David, of Petersburg, Lana Dike and her husband, Scott, of Edwardsport, and Randy Hammelman and his wife, Ramona, of Edwardsport. Linda adored her grandchildren, Rob Chestnut (Brandi), Clint Chestnut (Carley), Nicole Ricketts, Tiffany Richards, Tanner Dike, Rylee Wampler (Mason), Reeva Meuer (Jordan), Reece Hammelman, Reegan Hammelman, and Ryplee Hammelman. Her 16 great-grandchildren will grow up hearing stories of her warmth and generosity. She is also survived by her brother Paul Berryman of Oakland City.
Linda’s parents and husband preceded her in death, along with two brothers, Gary and Dave Berryman. The love and values she inherited from them continued to define her every action.
A woman of faith and community, Linda was a long-time member of Bethel Church, where she served on the council and participated in the Christian Partners Class. Her commitment to her church mirrored the passion she had for her beloved Bona Fidelis Club, whose members will sorely miss her after 62 years of friendship.
Linda’s interests painted a portrait of a life rich in love and labor. A Knox County district women’s leader for Farm Bureau, she was passionate about agriculture and promoting it throughout the state. Linda and Ronnie cherished their time setting up at festivals, sharing their love for antiques with others.
Always the supporter, Linda relished attending her grandchildren’s events, her heart swelling with pride at each achievement. A fan of the North Knox Warriors and St. Louis Cardinals, she was known for her encouragement and team spirit. Linda’s generosity extended to her time as a Pink Lady volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital for over 40 years.
At the heart of it all was the farm life she loved, whether it was “taxi-ing” family from one field to the other, picking up needed parts, or delivering food, she never batted an eye to help. As the secretary of Edwardsport Alumni for many years, Linda’s organizational skills and dedicated service were well-known and widely appreciated.
Linda Mae Hammelman’s journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to her family, friends, faith, and community. Her warm smile and kind heart will forever be remembered and greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. Her life was a beautiful reflection of the love and care she generously bestowed upon those around her.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Church in Edwardsport. A service will follow at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Bryan Taylor. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bethel Church. Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Hammelman’s arrangements.
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