Ann (Hammersmark) Knudsen

Ann (Hammersmark) Knudsen, beloved mother, and retired teacher passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2018.

Mom was born and raised in Big Timber, Mont., graduating from Big Timber High School in 1952. She was a proud Big Timber Sheepherder and often recited her class cheer of "Class of 52, whoop di do". Mom attended Eastern Montana College and graduated with an education degree. She met her love, George "Spike" Knudsen, at EMC. Her first teaching job was in Glasgow, Mont., and she would periodically fly from Glasgow to Billings to see Dad.

Mom and Dad were married on June 12, 1955, and spent 53 years together before he passed away in 2008. After marrying, Mom taught in Glendive and then in Belgrade before moving to Glasgow (again) where Dad was Elementary Principal. In 1964, they moved to Malta where Dad would become Elementary Principal and Mom opened a private Kindergarten and then eventually a Pre-School. Mom taught for 46 years before retiring in 2005 due to breast cancer. She always said she wanted to teach longer than her husband and she did.

Mom loved her grandchildren and doted on them as much as possible. Mom was 84 when she passed but swore she would live to 100. She didn't die old – she stayed up late and slept in. She enjoyed her coffee group and playing bridge and tried never to miss a day of either.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents Mike and Margaret (Stene) Hammersmark; her sister Linda (Hammersmark) Long; and her brother Marvin Hammersmark. She is survived by her three children: son Gary (Nancy) Knudsen and grandchildren, Justine (Tammy) Rodkey [great grandchildren Tyler Heryford, Jacub and Isacc Reynolds], Tate Knudsen, and Teaguean Knudsen; son Mark (Glenda) Knudsen and grandchildren Adam (Kyrie) Bachmeier [great grandchildren Mackayla Bachmeier, Ben, Kaden and Owen], Amber (Nathan) Wager, Michael (Ashley) Knudsen, Macy Knudsen, and Marcus Knudsen; and daughter Jane Knudsen. She is also survived by her brother Henry (Sue) Hammersmark and numerous nieces, nephews, brother in laws and sister in laws.

Funeral Services were December 14, 2018, at the Malta Lutheran Church. Burial followed the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to any P.E.O. Chapter for Cottey College in Mom's name or an education fund of your choice. Mom touched many a child's future. We are grateful that we had her for our Mom.