Mary Catherine “Katie” Hilliard, age 82, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at her home.

     She was born June 14, 1936, in Geff, the daughter of Henry Elsworth Murphy and Sarah Elizabeth (Downer) Murphy.  Katie married Harold L. Hilliard on May 17, 1955, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church in Geff, and they celebrated 62 wedding anniversaries prior to his death on February 6, 2018.

     Katie was dedicated to raising her children and being a supportive spouse in Harold’s endeavors, beginning in Portland, Oregon, with the start of her family.  At one time she attended cosmetology school in Olney, later became an instructor there, and was active as a hairstylist.  She also worked at Sparton Manufacturing in Flora, and later for the K-Mart Corporation when she and Harold returned to Oregon during mid-life.  In 2001 she retired and was determined to enjoy life and her grandchildren.  She and Harold traveled every year, making long casual drives with many stops along the way, and often back to Oregon.  Katie was an excellent cook and believed in creating dishes from scratch, and spent countless hours working in her garden and canning.  She was a devoted member of Louisville Church of Christ, and had volunteered with the Clay County Hospital Auxiliary over many years.  She had enjoyed bowling in the past, and looked forward to regularly getting together with her group of pinochle and card-playing circle of friends.

     She is survived by a son: Michael T. Hilliard of Flora; a daughter: Patricia L. Hilliard of Du Quoin; 5 grandchildren: Katelynn Hilliard, Mason Hilliard, Payton Hilliard, Bailee Hilliard, and Danielle Hilliard; 2 sisters: Ethel (Jack) Maynard of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlene (Dave) Naugher of Madras, Oregon; and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law including: Mildred Grubb of Flora, Dennis (Natalie) Hilliard of Creal Springs, and Sharon Hilliard of Sandwich; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a granddaughter: Tareena Hilliard and her mother, Amy Paul; and brothers-in-law: Lewis Hilliard and Bob Grubb.

     A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Anthony Oesch officiating.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Christian Church Cemetery in Wayne County.  Visitation will be from 1 until 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Clay County Hospital Auxiliary and will be accepted through the funeral home.  Visit the online guestbook: www.frankandbright.com