R.I.P. Dean Hammersmith, who got a whole lot done in 88 years.

Growing up in Georgetown, Dean was my second mom. Our families socialized on a weekly basis; the adults would gossip about current events and politics while the kids played. Very laid back, very small town; sweet tea and German chocolate cake.

Dean wasn't afraid to mix it up with the menfolk when it came to conversation. She was a doer, highly organized, and exuding a natural sense of being in command. Children can sense when an adult is bluffing. She wasn't and didn't, although at the same time remained loving toward the kids and listened to them. This always struck me as textbook parenting, honest and respectful on all sides.

Much to my regret, I've been unable to make it to the funeral home. As a force of nature who got things done, Dean herself probably would understand and forgive.

In closing, allow me to add that I'm happy she lived to see the fruition of the park and baseball diamond complex named in honor of her son. To be perfectly truthful, the name Hammersmith and the notion of service to the community are synonymous.

Tammy's now the matriarch -- and the tradition lives on. Condolences and best wishes to her family.

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Margaret "Dean" Hammersmith
August 20, 1930 - September 29, 2018

Georgetown, Indiana

Margaret "Dean" Hammersmith, 88, passed away peacefully at Diversicare-Providence in New Albany, IN on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Dean was a lifelong resident of Georgetown, and very active in the community, serving on several boards and committees. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Georgetown. Dean retired from the New Albany-Floyd County Schools in 1995 after 20 years at Georgetown Elementary tutoring children in reading. Dean will be remembered for her wicked sense of humor and sharp tongue, but most of all love of her family, friends and community. Dean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 46 years, Kenneth Hammersmith, her son Kevin Hammersmith, daughter, Debra Kay Hammersmith and brother, Edward Bailey. Dean is survived by her daughter, Tammy Persinger (Lloyd), her grandchildren, Gretchen Krammes (Kellen), Jacob Cunningham, Jessica Persinger, and her great grandsons, Luke, Koen and Aden Krammes. A celebration of her life will be at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home in Georgetown, IN. Pastor Jason Saylor will officiate. Burial will be in Wolfe Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday, October 1, 2018 and from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Tuesday. The family requests that expressions of sympathy go to the Floyd County Parks Foundation and Christ United Methodist Church.