Obituary of Merrie C. Hillman

Cuba- Merrie C. Hillman, 68, of 678 Yankee Road, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday (March 25, 2016). Born December 25, 1947 in Olean, she was the daughter of Joseph and Harriet French Neff. She married Kenneth Hillman on July 2, 1966 in Hinsdale, who survives. Merrie was a graduate of the Hinsdale Central School class of 1965, she was a member of the school's color guard and participated in school plays. Merrie loved singing with her husband's bands in the local music scene. She was always attending her children and grandchildren's special events; including school plays, sporting events, and family gatherings. She loved being a mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and cherished every moment she had in each of those roles in her life. Merrie loved to cook and sing. She also loved to shop year round for Christmas gifts, always looking for the perfect gift. She loved searching through coupons, to make sure that her family had the right coupon for the things they needed. Merrie loved to spend time making new memories with her loving, adoring husband of 50 years. She was totally devoted to her grandchildren and was thrilled to watch them grow. She loved animals, planning, preparing for and hosting family parties. Merrie always put others needs before her own and the lives of the many she met were better for having known her. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Matthew (Shari Brooks) Hillman of Hinsdale, and Scott (Kristin) Hillman of Franklinville; four grandchildren Troy, Collin, Ana, and Nicholas Hillman; one sister Renee (John) Jobe of Hinsdale; and one brother Brad (Marilyn) Neff of Oldsmar, FL. She was predeceased by one sister and three brothers. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday (March 29, 2016) at 11am. Rev. Al Batt with the Southside Union Chapel will officiate. Burial will be in Hinsdale Cemetery in Maplehurst. Memorials if desired, may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Route 16N, Olean, NY 14760.