Catherine Ann Hamerla fondly known by family and friends as Ann passed away January 24, 2024. Ann was born February 3, 1944 to Laurence L and Kay Lytle at St John’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. She went to Kessler Elementary, Helena Junior High and graduated from Helena Senior High.
Ann met the love of her life, Don Hamerla in South Korea and they were married April 15, 1975 in Joliet, Illinois. Don was a career Marine and Ann followed him to various military posts on the east coast. Ann studied and obtained her LPN license in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She worked for Dr. Crist while in Jacksonville.
When Don retired, they moved back to Helena in 1995. Ann worked for Cooperative Health for 18 years. When she retired, Ann was missed by the doctors, staff members and patients. Ann also was the nurse for God’s Is Love Mission.
Ann would take in abandoned cats and kitties and provide a good home and health care for them. She also fostered several dogs. It was known she had very soft spot for animals.
Ann is survived by her spouse Don, her daughter Larissa Thomas (Brian Thomas) of LaMoine, Maine, and her brother Laurence A Lytle (Maralyn Lytle) of Helena. Ann was preceded in death by her parents Laurence and Kay Lytle.
She will be greatly missed by her spouse, family and friends.
A memorial service will take place at 10am on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. Burial of cremains will follow the service to the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. The family will be receiving friends for a reception at the funeral home following Ann’s interment. Condolences can be sent to www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 AM
Wednesday January 31, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, MT 59602
Inurnment
Following the Service
Wednesday January 31, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena, MT 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Wednesday January 31, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 AM
Wednesday January 31, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, MT 59602
Inurnment
Following the Service
Wednesday January 31, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena, MT 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Wednesday January 31, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, MT 59602
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Irene Sage says
I was so sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. We were great friends in High School. We played in the band together and she played the oboe. She was a lot of fun and I still have a picture her Mom painted. It brings back lots of memories. I am sorry we lost touch but over time I have thought about Ann a lot. May she rest in peace. Condolences to her family.
Wendi Kottas Peterson says
What a sad day to learn of Ann’s passing, we were great friends. Ann and I shared a love of art and painting. We used to have girls “stay over” nights and laugh and giggle all night long. I was so glad to see her at the 40th class reunion where we got a chance to catch up on our lives. I will miss her.
Sharon Valentine says
Thinking of you at this time of loss.
Ann and I were classmates I remember her as a quiet and
gentle person with a passion for kindness and beauty.
With deepest sympathy,
Sharon Fitzgerald Valentine
Dawn and Violet Lytle says
We never got to spend a lot of bonding time together as we lived states apart, but I have some precious childhood memories and adored Uncle Larry and Aunt Kay. Mom and I send condolences, love, and prayers to our dear Montana relatives and extended family. May God surround you with His comfort.
Cousin Dawn and Aunt Violet Lytle
Ken Larson says
I met Ann in the 8th grade when we both assisted with vacation bible school at St. John’s Lutheran church.
I remember Ann as a warm, caring, sweet young woman. I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing.
Paula Block says
I worked with Ann at The Cooperative Health Center. She was an excellent nurse and always went the extra mile to support her patients. She especially loved the people she met at God’s Love Shelter and moved mountains for many when they were stymied by bureaucratic systems. She was a Force for good in the healthcare world. My sympathies to her family.
Helen Amundson says
I am sad to hear of Ann’s death. I worked with Ann at the Cooperative Health Center. She was an excellent, caring nurse. She worked hard to make sure patients had their medications and the care they needed. My sympathies to her family.