Minnie Ruth Hillman, 89, passed away peacefully at home July 13, with family at her side.

Minnie was born March 4, 1927, in Tennessee to Harvey and Laura Drinnon. She was one of 12 children. The family moved to Hammon, Okla., when she was a year old.

She met Willis Hillman, and the two were married Sept. 27, 1945. From this union, four children were born, Terry, Marvin, Sandra, and Willoma. They also had a stepson, Willis Jr. The couple moved from Oklahoma to Vale in 1946. The couple and three children, Terry, Marvin, and Sandra moved to Burns. As their family grew, daughter, Willoma, was born.

Minnie was a member of the Christian Church for nearly 60 years, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and deaconess. After the children were in school, she worked for the Arrowhead Hotel for a few years. She volunteered for the Harney County Senior Center since it began. She also managed the Christian Church Thrift Store, which she loved, that has served our community in many ways. She was also a member of  the American Legion Auxiliary. Minnie received the Senior Woman of the Year award in 2015 for serving others, her family, church, and community.

Minnie is survived by her son, Marvin of Burns; daughter, Sandra (Clyde) Kenyon of Burns; daughter, Willoma Poe and Mitch of Nampa, Idaho; stepson, Willis (Marge) Hillman of Australia; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Charlie.

Minnie was preceded in death by her husband, Willis; her parents; brothers, Oscar, Buster, and Floyd; sisters, Eula, Florie, Laura Alice; son, Terry; great-grandsons, Ryker and Garrett; and great-granddaughter, McKinney.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 29, at LaFollette’s Chapel.

Contributions in Minnie’s memory may be made to Burns Christian Church, the Christian Church Thrift Store, Harney County Hospice, or a charity of one’s choice.

Special appreciation to the hospice team, Beth, Bob, and Kelly, multiple friends and family who visited or called.