Emma E. Hilyard, 82, of Union City, passed away on March 22, 2015 at the Community Health Center of Branch County.
The funeral service will be Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. The family will receive friends, prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home. Interment of Ashes will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Emma was born October 2, 1932 in Battle Creek, MI to Archie & Dorothy (Green) Stiede. She married Irvin E. Hilyard on March 27, 1954 in Battle Creek, he preceded her in death on August 31, 2001.
Mrs. Hilyard earned her Associates Degree from Western MI University. She worked as a secretary for the Coldwater Regional Center for 19 years, retiring in 1992. Previously she had worked for Clark Equipment and the Federal Center. Following her retirement she briefly worked for the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital.
Emma was a member of the Church of God and had attended the Batavia Baptist Church. She enjoyed sewing and knitting, making many items to send overseas to military troops and children. Emma most of all enjoyed spending time with her family.
Emma is survived by her children Timothy (Mary) Hilyard of Coldwater, Irvin (Betty) Hilyard, Jr. of Union City, Elliott (Diana) Hilyard of Cambria, Linda Burritt of Union City, Debra (Edward) Mannila of Ishpeming, Rose Almaraz of Marshall, Emma (Billy) Tolbert of Franklin, OH, her sisters Winifred (Berwin) Monroe of Little Rock, AR, Dorothy (Nick) Nimchuk of British Columbia, Canada, Evelyn Wilson of Carson City, 18 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.
Memorials may be directed to New Beginnings Care for Life or Presbyterian Free Health Clinic.