Rosalie C. Hilliard's Obituary
Rosalie Christina Hilliard, 82, of Decatur, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2018, at Fair Havens Christian Village, surrounded by her family.
Rose was born June 12, 1935, in Arcola, IL, to William and Christina (Karcher) Ewald. She married the love of her life, John H. Hilliard on April 30, 1955, in Decatur, IL. He passed away March 20, 2017. She was a dedicated wife and mother to her family.
After having children, she volunteered at St. James School while her children attended there. Rose loved watching her grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events, rarely missing events they were in. Rose and John continued to support St. Teresa sporting events long after their children were grown as honorary grandparents. She retired from the Herald & Review. After retiring, she volunteered with Catholic Charities. Rose also enjoyed her monthly gatherings with her St. Teresa classmates.
She is survived by her sons; John W. Hilliard (Jo) of Mt. Pulaski, David D. Hillard (Lori) of Oakley, Kevin A. Hilliard (Tammy) of Decatur, Brian L, Hilliard (Debi) of Murfreesboro, TN; daughters, Anne C. Blackburn (Jeff) of Decatur and Karen S. Houston (Quince) of Decatur; brother, William Ewald of Decatur; sisters, Helena Hadley of Decatur and Jean Muller (John) of Chesapeake Beach, MD;11 grandchildren, Christi Lotz, (Justin), Heidi Hilliard (John Kraska), Nick Blackburn (Taylor), Gabe Hilliard, Luke Hilliard, Miranda Hilliard, John Hilliard, Donell Hilliard, E.J. Hart (Gianny), Lester Hart and Kendall Hart; 7 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; two brothers, Michael Ewald and Charlie Ewald; two sisters, Rita McQueen and Mary Bryan.
Rose will be missed by all who knew her. There wasn’t a life she didn’t touch or a stranger she didn’t know. Her dedication to her family and friends is a great loss for all.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2018, at St. James Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2018, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Burial will be in Brown Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association or Ss. James and Patrick Parish.
The family of Rose Hilliard is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St. Decatur, IL. Please view the obituary online, send condolences, and share memories at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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