Katherine "Katie" Hammer

JANESVILLE—Katherine "Katie" M. Hammer, age 61, gave her last breath to lung cancer on Friday, August 26, 2011, while in the wonderful care of Hospice Care Inc. She was born September 2, 1949, the daughter of Keith and Mary (Witt) Merrifield in Chicago, IL. Katie will be fondly remembered as an avid pet lover. She also enjoyed traveling, in particular to casinos, and fishing. She is now in Heaven taking care of the Angel pets and pulling the slot handles. She was owner of Specialty Items for over a decade, where she received a business woman of the year award in 2003-2004. Katie is survived by a daughter, Dawn Babcock of Janesville; a grandson, Colton Chilvers of Janesville; a great-grandson, Ashton Westendorf of Janesville; a sister, Judy (Harold) of Rockton, IL; 2 nieces, Kimberly Morse of Elkhorn, Kerry Morse of Clinton, WI; 3 best friends: Pat Maloney of Janesville, Debbie Swanson of Milton, and Gina De Young, as well as her twin sons, Casey and Sawyer, all of Rockford, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and several aunts and uncles. A celebration of Katie's life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, Sept. 3, at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1615 E. Racine St., Janesville. Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences at www.866allfaiths.com