Mona Rae “Mo” Holland, age 65, of Douglas, Wyoming, passed away after a lengthy illness on January 18, 2024, at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyoming.

     She was born on April 22, 1958, in Fairfield, Illinois, to Russell E. and Juanita (Cariens) Hilliard.  Mona married her soulmate and love of her life, Tommy Holland, on August 12, 2000, in Douglas, Wyoming.  He preceded her in passing on August 25, 2011.

     Mona was a hard worker.  During her life she had worked as a CNA at Clay County Hospital and on the pipeline in Wyoming.  But her passion was cooking, and the majority of her working years were spent as a cook, having worked at Grandma’s Kitchen and Heritage Woods in Flora, as well as a cook when living in Wyoming.

     She was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers.  Material things were not important to Mona.  Give her a Cardinals jersey or memorabilia collectible and she was as happy as if she had won the lottery.

Mona will best be remembered as a people person.  In high school she won the honor of being chosen as “most funny.”  And that was Mona, full of laughter with the natural ability to brighten any room or situation and create laughter and make you smile and be happy.

     She is survived by 2 children; her brother: Russell Dale Hilliard of Geff; 2 sisters: Carol Ann (Bob) Spore of Princeton, Indiana, and Sue Ellen (Dick) Schneider of Newbern, Tennessee; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Rex (Marcia) Holland and Faye (Doug) Pottorff; a former sister-in-law: Debbie Casell; and several nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in passing by her parents; her husband, Tommy; an infant son; mother-in-law: Mary Holland; maternal grandparents: Edgar and Flora Cariens; and paternal grandmother: Daisy Hilliard.

     Mona always said that Wyoming was her and Tommy’s happy place.  After he passed and she returned to Wyoming, she discovered that without him there it wasn’t the same.  Turns out their happy place was just being together.  And now, they are.

     A graveside ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora.  Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive directly at the cemetery.  Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.  To share condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com