In the early morning of October 4th, 2025, Marilee Hammer, my loving wife and best friend, spread her wings and soared to the heavens. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 4th, 1958, Marilee was a radiant beacon who lit up the lives of everyone she encountered. Known affectionately by many nicknames such as McHammer, Care Bear, Mare Bear, Sunshine, Sweetie, Honey, Baby, and Dear, she was a resilient figure whose empathetic heart and dedicated spirit touched countless lives in her incredible journey of 67 years.

Marilee's love for life was infectious, and her invincible spirit was particularly evident in how she faced a lifelong battle with diabetes. Despite the constant challenges it presented, she never once complained about the complications, facing every obstacle with grace and a quiet strength. This same resilience defined her various roles, from her professional career in real estate and environmental cleanup to her most cherished job of taking care of kids. Marilee was truly dedicated, with exceptional organizational skills that made her an indispensable asset at work. Her ability to create a comprehensive calendar of all the festivals and fairs across Colorado was a testament to her unwavering commitment. Even in her free time, she was a whirlwind of activity, loving camping, thrifting, reading, and traveling. She had a passion for documenting life's moments through videos and photos, and her curiosity led her to explore her own family history and that of her friends via ancestry.com. She found immense joy in music, which provided the soundtrack to her fulfilling life.

Marilee's love wasn't limited to her interests alone. She opened her heart to over 20 chosen children and had a unique bond with her animals. Her kindness extended beyond her immediate circles as she was a dedicated supporter of Kiva, an organization aiding struggling families abroad. Her empathetic nature was evident in her relationships with her close friends, Stacey and Bob, Lori and Brian, her perfect daughter(Marilee's words), Kalah, and her chosen granddaughters, Jaylah and Emeri. She cherished the Chancellor Family, As well as: Tommy, Cyenna, Gabe, Ari, and Shayne, and many others fortunate enough to know her, including her neighbors.

Marilee's journey on this earth was marked by the love she spread and the people she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, carried forward by those who survive her: her beloved husband, Ricky; her mother, Cherry Hammer; her siblings, Mark and Dawn Hammer, Mindy Cepec, and Marty and Gretchen Hammer; her nieces and nephews, Bradley Hammer, Nicole Showah, McKenna Hammer, Rachel Hammer, Mitch Hammer and Kyle Hammer. Despite the deep void left by her departure, we find comfort in the fact that she now joins her father, Fred Hammer, in the realm beyond.

Marilee's life was a testament to her invincible spirit, her boundless love, and her unending resilience. As we navigate this life without her, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Marilee to her memorial page. Let's celebrate her life and keep her spirit alive with our shared memories, as we remember the love and joy she brought into our world.