Ina Penn Hammel
(July 29, 1940 - October 18, 2021)

Ina Penn Hammel, 81, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away October 18, 2021. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 29, 1940, to the late Dorothy and Milton Penn. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Penn. Ina graduated from South Shore High School in 1958 and attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
She met her husband, Dennis Hammel, in Chicago on a blind date set up by a family member. They married on July 30, 1961, the day after Ina’s twenty-first birthday. They lived together in Chicago and welcomed their first child in March 1964. Six months later, the family moved to Huntington, West Virginia, so that Dennis could join his family’s business, a retail clothing store. The family thrived, and the couple welcomed two more children over the next six years.
Ina always focused on her family. She took care of every detail of their daily lives as Dennis concentrated on running the family business six days a week. Ina spent countless hours chauffeuring her children to activities, taking care of them when they were sick, coordinating schedules, and supporting their interests and ambitions. She went above and beyond to give her children opportunities to learn and grow, whether through education, sports, the arts, or travel. She wanted only the best for her children and grandchildren and was a fierce advocate for them.
Ina was an avid reader, enjoyed gathering with friends to play mahjong and canasta, and loved visiting her cherished hometown when she had the chance. She was an active member of the B’nai Sholom Sisterhood for many years. Ina faithfully observed Jewish traditions and prepared delicious holiday meals. She particularly delighted in celebrating milestones like births, graduations, and weddings. Her greatest joy was being with family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She embraced every moment with them.
Ina and Dennis relocated to Boynton Beach, Florida, ten years ago, leaving winter behind. She happily spoiled and entertained her grandchildren when they visited, even braving one of her least favorite places, the beach. They also visited aquariums, went strawberry picking, and watched baby sea turtles walk to the ocean.
Ina is survived by her husband of sixty years, Dennis, and their three children: Sheri Hager of Mason, Ohio, Jeff Hammel (Schell) of Houston, Texas, and Lisa Ketchum of Huntington. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Landon (Juliza) Graves, Philip Himmel, M.E. Ketchum, Scott Hammel, and Abby and Josie Hager. She also leaves behind her sister, Judi Wolf of Delray Beach, Florida and Bill Levine.
May the memory of Ina Penn Hammel be a blessing.
A graveside service is scheduled for Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington, with Rabbi David Wucher officiating. Interment will follow. Klingel – Carpenter Mortuary is assisting the family.