Rube Hammond

On September 4, 2025, Rube William Hammond, age 93, passed away peacefully in his home in Safford surrounded by loved ones.

He was born November 7, 1931 in Stigler, Oklahoma, the eldest of 10 children.  His early years were spent running wild with his uncles in Muskogee County, Oklahoma creating havoc.  He moved to Eden, Arizona with his family around 1948.

It was in Pima that he met the love of his life, Betty Lou Reese.  They were married on November 11, 1950, and were blessed with eight children.  In the early years of their marriage, they moved from Arizona to California to Oklahoma and then by 1972 had settled in Safford, Arizona.

Throughout his life Rube was a hard worker.  He supported his large family by working as a farm worker in the early years, for the Safford Valley Cotton Gin, and at Western Auto in Safford.

Rube was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and was loved by his family tremendously.  He was loved and respected by many in the community.  His family, church family, and friends have many wonderful stories to share about their time with him.  He never met a stranger and was a friend to all.

Rube is survived by his loving wife, Betty Lou (Reese); his children, Ruben Hammond, Rick (Karen) Hammond, Patricia (Raymond) Nave, Judy (Victor) Herbert, Sherry Hammond, Jeanett Hammond, and Scott Hammond, and his many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  He is also survived  by his siblings, Cleta (Herbert) Fox, and Bonnie Davis.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy & Lillie Hammond, his son Lawrence William "Bird" Hammond, and his siblings Lois Hammond, Eugene Hammond, Vona Bell Hammond, Jimmy Hammond, Pauline Gable, Manuel Hammond, and Margaret Summers.  He will be greatly missed.

A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hubbard Cemetery with Pastor Kris Keyes officiating.