Gladys Ruth Hillman

Born in Mecklenburg County on July 26, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Henry Smith and Ola Day Conner Smith.

A graduate of Derita High School, Ruth had worked for Chadborne Gottham Hosiery Mill, Sears and Roebuck and retired from the distribution warehouse for Jack B. Eckerd Drugs. She also obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate and volunteered at Aldersgate.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Charles Hillman Sr.; a son, Sidney Aaron Hillman; two grandchildren, Josh Hillman and William Hillman; three sisters and two brothers.

Surviving are her children, Howard Charles Hillman Jr. (Mary), Karen Hillman Gladden (Jr), Gerald Wayne Hillman (Joan), Roxana Hillman Huffman (Dennis), Michael Henry Hillman (Susie) and Deryle Rufus Hillman (Melinda); a granddaughter with whom she resided, Sydney Day Hillman; 19 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Hillman was a 77 year, very active member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church.

Friends may visit Friday, February 3, 2017 at her church, Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6440 Old Statesville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28269 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm where services are planned for 1:00 pm. Burial will take place in Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Hillman will be: Charlie Hillman, Jimmy Wallace, Jason Wallace, Bo Wallace, Wayne Boulay and Chad Hunning. Honorary pallbearers will be: Chris Poulos, Stevie Leonhardt, Shawn Dillingham Jr. and Ricky Epps.

The family would like to thank special caregivers Kristin Hillman, Laura Hunning and the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region and Levine & Dickson Hospice House Huntersville.

Contributions in memory of Gladys Ruth Hillman may be made to Oak Grove United Methodist Church or Levine & Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Dr., Huntersville, NC 28078.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcewenderitachapel.com.