Agnes Hangman

Agnes Hangman passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family, on May 19, 2017.  Agnes had recently celebrated her 100th birthday on March 26, 2017. Family came from all across the country to join in the celebration. She was able to enjoy her party as her health was good until then.

She was born in Meckling, South Dakota, on March 26, 1917 to Robert and Kate Newton.

Agnes married Lafayette F. Hangman on October 12, 1935. Together, they had two children, Keith and Kevin Hangman. They owned and operated a farm in Nebraska until 1956 when the family relocated to Napa, California.  Lafayette worked in agriculture and Agnes was a homemaker until 1965 when her husband passed away. As a single mother Agnes provided for her youngest son Kevin until he completed school.

Agnes was a homemaker, however, she also worked with her eldest son Keith tending to his walnut orchard.  Agnes was known as the “Walnut Lady”. She would harvest, crack, clean and shell hundreds of pounds of walnuts each year. Listeners of the KVON radio station would hear her ad on the “Swap Shop” when the walnuts were ready for purchase.  She continued this occupation up until her passing. Agnes could not let those walnuts go to waste.

Two years ago, at the age of 98, Agnes fell and broke her hip.  Walnut season arrived and Agnes was recovering and in a wheelchair. She still managed to work and with a tray on her lap Agnes continued to shell all of her walnuts. 

Everything was centered around family for Agnes. She made sure everyone kept the old family traditions alive.  Eating Lutefisk and Lefse for every Christmas Eve dinner and teaching her grandsons how to make Lefse to make sure the tradition would continue.  

Agnes was an avid quilt maker, and made beautiful quilts for her sons and their children.

Agnes was an experienced and avid gardener. She would can and preserve much of what she grew and made the best Tomato Jelly!

Agnes kept meticulous records of Genealogy, tracing back her ancestry to the 1500s.

Most people who met Agnes always commented on her beautiful ear to ear smile.  It did not matter who you were or how she was feeling, she always smiled. 

Agnes will be truly missed, especially her smile.

Agnes's family thanks primary care physician Dr. Dermody, Dr. Anderson from the Cancer Center and Collabria Care for the wonderful and compassionate care she received.

Agnes was predeceased by her husband, Lafayette; her son, Keith; her father, Robert; her mother, Kate; and 13 brothers and sisters. Agnes is survived by her son, Kevin L. Hangman (Cristina); her grandsons, Vincent (Mike), Wesley, Shawn (Christene), Erik (Brittany) and Aaron (Virginia); her great granddaughter, Alizeya; her great grandson, Aaron Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews​

There will be a service at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa Ca on Friday May 26, 2017 at 11:00am. Viewing will be between 9:00 and 11:00am. A reception will follow in the “Reception Room” at Tulocay. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Collabria Care, formally Napa Valley Hospice and Adult Day Service.

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