Carolean Hammersley

Carolean Hammersley, age 90, born January 1, 1936, in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio.

Throughout her long and fulfilling life, Carolean was a gentle and comforting presence to all who knew her. Her deep Christian faith was a cornerstone of her existence; she placed her trust in Jesus Christ, and could often be found with her Bible, drawing comfort and wisdom from its pages. Carolean’s devotion to her faith was a guiding light, shaping her character and daily life.

A loving matriarch, Carolean’s greatest joy came from time spent with her family, whom she adored deeply. She is survived by her devoted sister, Helen (Pat) Ruark; her beloved daughters, Sherry (Mike) Armitage, Debbie (Steve) Butts, and Cindy (Jim) Corbitt; and by her cherished grandchildren, Jessica (Andrew Young) McGuire, Jeremy (Peggy) Madden, Jimmy (Stephanie) Corbitt, Steve (Tina) Craycraft, Stacy Lehman, and Kristin (Justin) Romine; and the late Chad Craycraft's spouse, Tiffany; 22 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends. Each of them remembers Carolean as a source of constant love and unwavering support.

Carolean was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Betty (Profitt) Cline; father of her children, Ralph Darwin Saunders; husband, Thurston Hammersley; son, Steven Saunders; and grandchildren, Shelly Russell and Chad Craycraft.

Those who knew Carolean speak fondly of the warmth and kindness she brought into every room. She was cherished by her family and friends alike. Her legacy is one of compassion, care, and dedication—a woman whose presence was marked by quiet generosity and gentle words. Carolean also enjoyed tending to her garden and cooking for her family which reflected her nurturing spirit.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Carolean Hammersley will take place at 3:30PM on July 11, 2026, at Faith Christian Fellowship, 1778 Grange Hall Rd, Beavercreek, Ohio, 45432. A visitation will be held from 2:00PM until the time of service. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Carolean are warmly invited to attend.

Carolean Hammersley will be remembered for her enduring faith, her love of family, and her gentle, giving nature. She leaves behind a legacy that will remain in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to VITAS Hospice and Hospice of Dayton for their exceptional care of Carolean, as well as her niece, Marilyn (Cecil) Slusher. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to either Hospice in memory of Carolean.