DEFIANCE, OH - Reva Celesta Hammon, age, 98, of Defiance, died peacefully on August 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. She is the daughter of the late William and Minnie (Grimes) Adams and was born on April 5, 1927, in Oakwood, OH. She was the youngest of four children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Curtis Adams, Rex Adams, and Fanny May Long.

Reva graduated from Oakwood High School in 1945, during World War II. She enrolled in a secretarial course in Tiffin, OH, but when the war ended, the students were dismissed. She moved to Defiance, OH and worked at various jobs, including in the office at Defiance College, until her marriage. In 1947, she went roller skating at Power Dam with a girlfriend and was introduced to her future husband, John Stanley Hammon. They were married at Centenary United Brethren Church in Oakwood, OH, on December 4, 1948, and moved to Jewell, OH, where John was a farmer. Their Centennial Farm has been in the Hammon family since 1894. John and Reva were also members of Independence United Methodist Church for their entire married lives. John and Reva were married for 54 years before his passing in 2002.

Their first son, Johnny, was born in 1949, but died in 1953 of polio. Sadly, the polio vaccine was invented a few months too late. They welcomed four children to their family, and life was busy and happy. Reva is survived by her children, Linda (Craig) Aldrich of Houston, TX, Gary (Jayna) Hammon of Defiance, OH, Ron (Sherri) Hammon of Brooklyn, MI, and Lori (Mike) Schafer of Defiance, OH; grandchildren, Ryan (Kim) Aldrich of Denver, CO, Lindsay (Chad) Laurich of Nacogdoches, TX; Matt Hammon of Archbold, OH, Staci (Jeff) Smith of Napoleon, OH, Shawn (Kenzie) Hammon of Defiance, OH, Andrea (Joshua) Haas of Napoleon, OH, Johnny (Alicia) Hammon of Defiance, OH, Eric Hammon of Defiance, OH, Ashley Martin of Defiance, OH, Todd (Brooke) Schafer of Canton, GA, and step-grandchildren, Kristy Myer of Grass Lake, MI and Kayla Walz of Napoleon, MI; great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, Aubrey Aldrich, Zoey Laurich, Kennedy (Noah), Goldie and Major Mattin, Layne Hammon, Braylon Hammon, Avery Smith, Taylor Smith, Graham Hammon, Carter Hammon, Bartleby Haas, Grayson Hammon, Olivia Hammon, Caleb Martin, Calvin Martin, Brycen Thompson, Courtney Myer, Zach Myer, Riley Walz, and Jaxson Walz, bonus family members, Nathan, Dallas, and Maddie Auch of Defiance, OH, as well as several beloved nephews and nieces.

Family was of utmost importance to John and Reva. Her highest calling in life was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The family took summer vacations every August to Indian River, MI, where they loved fishing and playing cards. John and Reva took many road trips to visit family in Houston and Denver. Their home on the farm was the place of much love and happiness with family reunions, holidays, birthday parties, card parties, and lives well lived with family and friends. Reva was a member of the Jewell American Legion Auxiliary, holding many leadership offices during her lifetime. She also enjoyed being a part of the area Homemakers Club and all aspects of church life, including church retreats, making noodles, and being a communion steward. She was well known for making all the homemade ice cream served at the Independence Methodist Church Strawberry Festival. She worked several years for Ames and then Hills in Defiance after John retired from farming. Reva moved from the family farm to a condo in Defiance where she enjoyed treasured friendships with neighbors on the cul de sac.

In later years, she enjoyed working outdoors, doing word searches, and watching sports on TV, especially Detroit Tigers baseball and college basketball. The family extends thanks to Nathan Auch for his gentle care, to neighbor, Chris Kirk, for her steadfast friendship, and to the Elara Health, hospice, and therapy teams for their assistance.

The family will receive friends at Independence United Methodist Church at 9966 Adams Ridge Road, Defiance, OH 43512 on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 5-7 PM. On Saturday, August 9, 2025, visiting hours at the church will be from 9-11 AM, where a funeral service will be held at 11 AM with Pastor Alan Fuhrhop officiating. Burial to follow at the church cemetery. Rather than sending flowers, the family requests that you consider making a memorial contribution to the church. However, if you choose to send flowers, please schedule their delivery to the church on Friday between 3-5 PM. For more information and to view Reva’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.

Share on Facebook