Mary Hillis Obituary

Mary Frances was the second of five daughters born in Napton, Missouri to Harry Hood Abney and Mary Smith Abney. She graduated from the University of Missouri with honors and a degree in Home Economics. Mary married fellow University Engineering student Fred Hillis in November of 1942. She earned her Colorado Realtor's license and sold real estate in Boulder, Colorado for several years before moving back to Texas. In 1972 she was widowed with two young daughters still at home in school. She began her retail career in Dallas with Neiman Marcus and worked there for 20 years until age 72.

Mary and Fred had five children: Cynthia (Robert) McBride, Larry (Jean) Hillis, Mary (Alden) Clifford, Valerie (Ray) Sizemore, Virginia (Stan) Fletcher. Larry and Valerie are deceased. 13 Grandchildren survive her: Lisa von Braun, Charlotte Karako, William Harper, Ben and Alison Hillis, Christine Corney, Christopher, Patrick and Kate Clifford, Brook Nunez, Ian, Sam and Eric Fletcher. 10 Great Grandchildren and one Great Great Grandchild also survive Mary.

Mary was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, VFW Auxiliary and Zebulon Pike Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

A private family celebration of Mary's life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent in Mary's name to Zebulon Pike Chapter DAR, Literacy Promotion, 6280 Lemonwood Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.