Natalie Ruth Hammel

Visitation will be at McGilley Memorial Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145 on Wednesday May 19, 2021 from 6:30-8:30 PM. Funeral service will be at the Church of the Resurrection Main Sanctuary, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66224 on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM.

Born April 9, 1976 in Kansas City, MO, the third child of Mel and Diane Higgins, Natalie grew up in Blue Springs, MO, attending school there from kindergarten through graduation from Blue Springs High School. After high school, she graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, then continued her education at UMKC, earning a Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy. She worked part-time at CVS as a Pharmacist for many years before turning 100% of her time to the loves of her life – her family. She married Alex Hammel in 2001 and would be celebrating 20 years of marriage in July. They have two children, Ethan, 16, and Elyse, 13.

Natalie was a force of positivity, living life to its fullest, and providing her children with a variety of experiences, adventures, opportunities and all life has to offer as well as the joy found in serving others. She firmly believed in the value of community service and did all she could to make life a little brighter for everyone. Her laughter, smile, and positive presence could light up a room. She was smart, humorous, curious, adventurous, and determined. She put 110% into everything she did.

As a longtime member of Church of the Resurrection, one of her favorite experiences was taking her family on a mission trip to Costa Rica. She wanted to instill in her children a sense of service, and they enjoyed a great learning experience. She also held office and participated with her daughter in the National Charity League, a group of girls and mothers dedicated to providing local community service. She volunteered at her children’s schools and supported their many activities. She also served as an officer in her community HOA.

She loved to take family vacations and explore new areas and activities, such as swimming with dolphins, skiing, zip lining, snorkeling, and simulated sky diving. She promoted family togetherness, putting a great deal of effort into making family holidays and birthdays memorable. She especially enjoyed laughing, joking, and spending time with her two sisters.

Natalie was preceded in death by her father, Mel. She is survived by her husband Alex and children, Ethan and Elyse; mother, Diane; sisters, Suzanne Stottlemyre (Todd) and Wendy Siebold (Ben), and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Church of the Resurrection Mission Ministries – In Memory of Natalie Hammel, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66224.