Allura J. Hamm (Steeley, 84, of Hays, passed away April 17, 2020, at Via Christi in Hays from a battle with cancer. She was born December 9, 1935, in Anderson County, Kansas as the daughter of Otis and Virgi (Settleymyer) Steeley. Virgi passed away shortly after giving birth to Allura and her twin brother. Allura's brother followed in death shortly after. Allura was raised primarily by her father and her cousins, Betty and Lola, who became like sisters to Allura as she grew up. She graduated from Iola High School and attended Southern Business College of Tucson, Arizona.
On August 15, 1954, she was united in marriage to Virgil “Lynn” Hamm at Northcott Church in Colony, Kansas. They were married for 63 years. She worked in the banking industry in Wichita, Kansas prior to moving to Hays. In 1963, they opened an Otasco store on Main Street in Hays, later becoming Coast to Coast, and then Hamm’s True Value. They ran the store together for 50 years.
Allura was a member of the Red Hat Society and Pinochle Club for many years. She enjoyed bowling and tea parties with her grandchildren. She loved her grandkids and great grandkids dearly.
Survivors include her three daughters: Brenda Epperson and husband Scott of Owasso, Oklahoma, Julia Kuntz and husband Andy of Hays, and Nikki Hamm of Enid, Oklahoma; three grandchildren: Josh Kuntz and wife Kayce, Heather Schmitz and husband Derrik, and Garrett Epperson; and two great grandchildren: Savannah and Elijah Schmitz.
She was preceded in death by her parents Otis and Virgi Steeley, her husband Virgil “Lynn” Hamm, granddaughter Lauren Lynn Epperson, and great-granddaughter Laylah Nicole Kuntz.
A public service at North Oak Community Church in Hays will be announced when the gathering restrictions due to the Covid 19 virus have been lifted. A private family burial service will be held at the White Chapel Cemetery in Wichita.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Via Christi Village in Hays or Relay for Life of Ellis County. Contributions made payable to the organization of your choice may be sent to Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]