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Susan Hillis Obituary

We celebrate Susan's 72 years of life as she peacefully surrendered to her 2-year battle with cancer on 1/17/2012 at home in the company of family. Born 7/25/1939, Susan's unspoken but well-lived life mission was serving others in all her endeavors. Whether as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, family member, professional, or friend, she gave tirelessly of herself. Raised in Kansas City, MO, a graduate of Wyandotte High School (1957) and Colorado College (1961), Susan was a 3rd generation Kappa Alpha Theta. During her freshman year she unknowingly crossed paths with her future husband, Walt (CC 1955). Soon, destiny took hold (and according to Walt, Susan did too). One of those chance encounters became the real thing, and they were married on 6/25/1960. Thus began 53 years of true love. As a mother, she provided endless amounts of love, creativity, discipline, and example. She also opened her home to countless animals she could never turn her back on as they somehow found their way into her heart. Her selflessness will be forever appreciated. Susan loved working and volunteered as a docent of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Auxillary for 12 years (serving also as president during that time). Susan dedicated 10 years working "At Your Service" for the Colorado Springs Sun newspaper helping consumers resolve their most difficult complaints. She then jumped straight into one of her life's passions, politics, working 20 years as a congressional aide for US Congressman, Joel Hefley, serving constituents with numerous real-life challenges passionately pursuing resolution to issues she was presented. Susan, a voracious reader, still found time to give the gift of music through her own compositions. One of Susan's greatest gifts was her sharp wit, sarcasm, and ability to make even a big story a bit bigger! No one could say it better, and she will be dearly remembered for her many colorful phrases and metaphors. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Florence Riley, and her sister, Sarah (Dale) Kendrick. Living in joyful remembrance is Susan's husband, Walt Hillis, her children Lance (Kari) Hillis, Rorry (Marne) Hillis, Colleen (Ray) Waymel, Sperry (Tracy) Kopp, and her grandchildren Amanda, Glen, Eddie, Riley, Zachary, Makenna, and Leo. And as Susan would say, "Horse Feathers!" In honor of Susan's wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of Susan's life will be held later with family and close friends. In-lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pike's Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 East Pikes Peak Avenue Suite 600, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Jan. 22 to Feb. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Hillis

Not sure what to say?





Suzanne Brannon

January 30, 2012

Condolences to the Hillis family. I so enjoyed Susan's spunk and energy on the political beat years ago. She was a great lady.

Michelle Kinney

January 29, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Mila Tapales

January 29, 2012

Condolence to Ms. Hillis' family...Rest in Peace, Ms. Hillis...you are in my prayers. Thank you so much for helping my family so many years ago.

Niesje Province

January 28, 2012

Walt and family:
Tex and I are so sorry to hear about Susan. We all had such good times living on Pine Grove.......so many good memories. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you during this difficult time.
Love to all of you,
Niesje & Tex Province

Cathy

January 26, 2012

As sorrow fills your heart,
My heart goes out to you...
And though my words cannot begin to ease the loss you bear,
I only hope it helps, somehow, to know how much I care.

Amy Crump

January 24, 2012

Sperry,

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Pamela L Hillis

January 23, 2012

Thank you Aunt Susan for always being there and for loving us. For celebrateing with us when we were, and coming along beside us in harder times. For the extraordinary ways you reached out to utilize your resources with Joel. Your mission changed my life forever. It meant more than I can say, but then I was glad to tell you then. Some of my favoeite memories were the "Your in the News Cards" when working at the paper and later too. For being at my commissining as a Lt with my favorite Uncle. Being at the birthday parties, my college graduation and other get togethers and special events. For being so inviting and welcoming. For being among the 1st people at my bedside when I woke up from my coma. For all the other times you embraced us and included us.I just have to thank you again. You were so very loving and special to us.I will miss you and your great sense of humor so much. I will miss seeing you at Uncle Walts side, because we rarely saw one of you without the other. And yet we will see you beside him in our hearts..We will watch over him with you. I Loved you so much. Thank you for sharing your life with us. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you and grant you and your many dear freinds and precious family peace and comfort P.S. I'm counting on you to join as a member with guardian Angels.Your loving Neice, Pam

Steve and Toni Channer

January 23, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with Walt and the family. Many happy memories.

Linda C

January 23, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to the family.
At Matthew 5:4 Jesus said " happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted."
Please let our heavenly father comfort you through His word during this difficult time in your life.

January 22, 2012

You were such an incredible woman and a huge influence on so many. We cherished, loved and admired you so much and will miss you terribly. You have Mom with you now, so our night skies are all that much more beautiful with your stars burning brightly. Thank you my dear Aunt Susan. Maggie

Fred Haynes

January 22, 2012

Susan always added a little spice to life. As a neighbor from 1948 through high school in Kansas City KS, I have physical and mental scars to prove it. But knowing her was very much worth it.

Wendy

January 22, 2012

I had the privilege of working with Susan for a few short months when I was an intern in Congressman Hefley's office. She was always a joy to be around and I loved listening to her stories about how COS was "back in the day". She was a wonderful woman and will be missed.

Judy LaPrade

January 22, 2012

Walt and family - Susan was a rarity. My sons and I enjoyed our association with her and the Hillis family very much.

She accomplished many things for the Colorado Springs community that will live on even though she has made a transition.

I send much love.

Tamal Sarkar

January 20, 2012

"We are saddened to hear of your sudden loss. Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss."

Levi Paulos

January 20, 2012

Sperry, sorry to hear about your loss! Love and prayers for you and your family to get through this hard time. May His love and comfort with you always!

Cathy

January 19, 2012

Im sorry.

J S

January 19, 2012

I am sorry for your loss.

Veronica Sanchez

January 19, 2012

Sperry, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are im my thoughts and prayers.

Melissa Kantz

January 19, 2012

Sperry, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Anna Pucci

January 19, 2012

Sperry and Your Family,

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We are here for you and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you or anything you may need.

Love,
Anna and Kevin

Terri Larson

January 19, 2012

Sperry, I know that this is a difficult time. You and your family are im my thoughts and prayers.

Jacqueline Durietz

January 19, 2012

Dear Sperry, I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family.

Maria Turner

January 19, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathy to you Sperry and your entire family in this very sad time. Please call me if you need me.

Love,
Maria

MEA

January 19, 2012

Sperry and family ~ May you find comfort in the Lord that your angel is now watching over you. Our sympathy and love being sent your way my friend. xo, Mea and Nacia and family

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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