Michelle Dawn Hammond

Michelle Hammond, age 30, of Union died June 12, 2010 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A graveside service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Union Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Union Stock Show Grounds. Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation, the NRA or the Halfway Rodeo in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

Michelle was born on April 1, 1980, the daughter of Gary Bingham and Rayetta Thomas in Baker, Oregon. She grew up in Richland and when she was in the sixth grade the family moved to Union where she graduated from high school. She worked as a flagger for ODOT for many years and it was the favorite job she ever held. She married Rick Hammond in Union ten years ago. She was a dedicated wife and mother and was involved with the many activities her children were involved with.

Michelle loved anything and everything to do with the outdoors. She enjoyed fishing and camping but her passions were hunting and hunting for horns.

Survivors include her husband, Rick Hammond of Union; children, Ty Hammond, Levi Hammond and Hailey Hammond, all of Union; mother and step-father, Rayetta Thomas and Gerald Lequerica of La Grande; father, Gary Bingham of Wallowa; father-in-law, Matt Hammond of La Grande; mother-in-law, Teri Doors of Oklahoma; sisters, Denise Forneigh of Wallowa, Dianna Bigham of Wallowa and Denelle Bingham of La Grande; uncles, John and David Thomas of Halfway; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and a wealth of friends.

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