Ethel Teresa (Billinger) Hillman passed away August 22, 2015 at the age of 83 years, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas.

Ethel was born to Raymond and Katherine (Flagler) Billinger on March 13, 1933 in WaKeeney, Kansas.

She went to Collyer schools until high school where she graduated in 1951 from Trego Community High School.

After high school, Ethel worked in Hays at the telephone company until she married her high school sweetheart, Dale Hillman, on October 18, 1952. Dale preceded her death on July 20, 1981. To this union, a daughter and three sons were born.

Ethel was a homemaker and volunteered at the schools her children attended as well as Brownies, Cub Scouts and the WaKeeney Willing Workers 4H Club. She enjoyed working at the Hospital Auxiliary for many years. Ethel was a member of the Town & Country Extension Club. She loved to play bridge and belonged to several card clubs. She and Dale enjoyed square dancing and could often be found at the VFW where dances were held. Ethel was a Librarian at the WaKeeney City Library from 1968 until she retired in 1994.

She sang in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church choir. Ethel loved to travel and often hopped a bus with friends for tours across the country as well as traveling overseas. She also loved to attend all types of vocal and theater productions especially at Fort Hays State University. In later years, Ethel began to paint which brought her much joy, as well as doing needlework of all types.

Ethel is survived by her children Debbie Hillman Leiker (Leon), Olathe, KS; Rex (Becky), Bartlesville, OK; Mark (Gina), Bucyrus, KS; and Curtis, Merriam, KS; two grandsons Chad Leiker (Kelly), Edina, MN; Joel Leiker (Lindsey), Woodstock, GA; and four great-grandchildren Lauren and Jacob Leiker, Edina, MN; Noah and Chase Leiker, Woodstock, GA; sister Betty Hendrickson, Hutchinson, KS; and family.

Funeral Services will be at 10 AM Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney, with Pastor Randy Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow in the WaKeeney City Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in WaKeeney.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital-Long Term Care or Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Checks made to the organization may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672