The Life of Zella Hammann Kubin

Born: May 13, 1906, Harper Township, McPherson County, Kansas

Died: November 20, 1989, McPherson, Kansas

Zella (Sally) Hammann was born on a farm in McPherson County, Kansas in May of 1906.  She was the second of seven children of Lewis and Ella Hammann.

Shortly before her sixth birthday, the family moved into town, where Zella would spend her entire life.  She entered the first grade there, and eventually graduated from McPherson High School. 

McPherson High School Graduation – 1928

After graduation, Zella enrolled part-time at McPherson College, but chose to enter nurses training at Wesley Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, where she graduated as a registered nurse. 

Zella was an incredibly caring person, and loved the nursing profession.  After her nursing training, she returned to McPherson, taking a position at McPherson County Hospital (Memorial Hospital of McPherson.)  She served as a surgical supervisor, and was acting hospital superintendent for a short period.  She received advanced training in anesthesiology in Philadelphia, PA, serving her internship in Alexandria, VA before returning to McPherson.

Zella Hammann – 1931

She married John Kubin, a retired farmer, on March 15, 1944, and they made their home at 505 East Kansas Avenue in McPherson, where they lived their entire life.

Zella (Sally) and John Kubin – 1953

Their eight nieces and nephews loved to visit Aunt Sally and Uncle John and run around that wonderful house, filled with antique furniture.  There was a fish pond in the back yard that was always fascinating.

Backyard Fish Pond – 505 East Kansas Avenue, McPherson

The home had a large front porch with a swing, and it was very pleasant on summer evenings to sit on the porch, talk, and watch the world go by.

While at McPherson County Hospital, Zella worked in the Surgical Recovery Room, and was active in the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary.  She took great pride in training the first class of Candy Stripers, and continued to be involved for several years. 

Zella and the Candy Stripers

As a young woman, Zella was an active participant in drama at the McPherson Community Playhouse.  She and John were also interested in the history of the McPherson area.

A budding acting career!

After the death of her mother in 1943, Zella took on the job of caring for the family and running the finances of the family farm for 45 years, a job that was much appreciated by her siblings and their families.  She was the anchor of the family, and reunions always happened at her home in McPherson.

Zella was a member of Oriental Chapter No. 58, Order of the Eastern Star, the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and the First Congregatioal Church.

Zella Hammann Kubin’s life touched many people, and all were better for the relationship they had with her.  She is missed by her family and friends, and will always be remembered.

Friends and Relatives on LifenTimes

Audrey Luella Hammann Bedell – Sister

Nina Hammann Berry – Sister

Laura Inez Hammann – Sister

Lewis and Ella Hammann – Parents

Myreta Hammann Stephan – Sister