Rosemary Hiller

“If you asked the question who smiled at life no matter what it brought, you would answer Rosemary Hiller. Rosemary’s positivity, her warmth, encouragement and love are what those of us who knew her well and loved her will always remember. She always looked on the bright side of things and faced life’s challenges with courage, and a great faith that God’s hand was in it all.”

Born, January 9, 1923, in San Diego, CA, to Ausmon and Flora (Winders) Culmer, Rosemary came during her early childhood years to Oklahoma City where her father worked as an optometrist. Rosemary attended Edgemere and Wilson elementary schools, and while in 5th grade became interested in the violin. By 6th grade she was studying with Oklahoma City University Professor Glennis Jones Garlick, gaining proficiency. Through junior high at Harding and high school at Classen, Rosemary was an honor student, but music—violin, piano, organ--became her focus. She began to take courses at OCU during her senior year and later earned a university scholarship. During WWII years, Rosemary’s OCU and local musical connections led to her serving as a USO hostess. At USO events she met and fell in love with Earl Hiller. They married on March 9th, 1944, while he was still on active duty. Rosemary earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with honors from OCU in the spring of 1944. While Earl was serving in North Africa as a gunnery officer flying dangerous missions, Rosemary taught violin to private students and at Wilson elementary.

Postwar life brought more degrees, two children, and lifelong teaching careers. While Earl studied and pursued his math teaching career, Rosemary taught at OCU and performed with the musical group, “The Gypsies,” where OCU’s Herbert Bagwell soon became Rosemary’s mentor. Later, he chose her for the violin teaching role at Christ the King School. The couple bought a house on Dittmer Rd. where they welcomed sons Dwain and Ralph. Earl began teaching at Casady in the early 1957, and Rosemary followed in 1964, working not only as a secretary to the Lower/Middle School Director but also initiating the school’s first violin classes and accompanying musical productions. Later violin instruction became her full-time position with many students having fond memories of their time with her and the love of music that was fostered in them. Colleagues cherished her as a staunch supporter to them, to her administrator husband, and as “mother” to several international students who lived with the Hillers. Very special among the latter group is Katie Robertson O’Connor of Gore, New Zealand, literally a surrogate daughter who has remained close to Rosemary to these final days “Mom was a wonderful role model to me of how to make the most out of life and the gifts that you are given. I’m so grateful for her love, care and support and the great memories we have shared over 45 years.”

Following retirement from Casady School in 1985, Earl and Rosemary spent their remaining years as devoted volunteers. Through three-quarters of a century the couple were dedicated members of Wesley United Methodist Church. Rosemary sang in the choir, serve as Communion Steward, played in the Bell Choir, served as UMW President, served in Suzanna Circle, participated in Sunday School classes, and served in many leadership positions. Rosemary and Earl both volunteered at Bone and Joint Hospital several days a week which Rosemary continued to do until she was 90. She was recognized as one the longest serving volunteer giving almost 8200 hours to the hospital from 1995 till Fall of 2013(18 years). From 1985-99, Rosemary and Earl were directors of Oklahoma Retired Citizens Travel Club, leading senior citizens on trips to, Australia, China, Scandinavia, Europe, Alaska and South America. There were also several visits to New Zealand, as well as tours within the United States. After Earl’s passing, Rosemary continued in these endeavors until she moved to St. Ann’s Retirement Center in 2016.

Above all, Rosemary cherished her family, her friends, her students and her church. After Earl’s passing, Rosemary especially treasured her time with son Ralph and daughter-in-law Paula and their family and was a much-loved elder member at all the wider family gatherings. Paula remembers, “Rosemary was always more like a real Mother to me and I always told her that I could not have “handpicked” a better Mother. She was my mentor; my inspiration and I cherished every moment with her. The Light of God was present in all she did, and she treated everyone with compassion. Mom had a beautiful Grace filled Spirit and people were drawn to her. I will forever miss her infectious laugh, and her beautiful smile that everyone remembers, and I loved her so much. She filled my life and the life of my family with joy and happiness.”

In the last months of her life she moved to Gig Harbor, Washington, where grandson Robert Hiller and his family were able to support her and spend precious months with her before she passed. Robert said “Grandma was always the one constant throughout my life. I was lucky to have had her for almost 50 years and even more blessed to have been with her in her final months. She left a loving imprint on my heart and on the hearts of all who knew her.”

During her life Rosemary enjoyed entertaining, cooking, trying new recipes, teaching, and travel. She had a smile and encouraging words for those around her and was a positive influence in the lives of those knew her.

“It is said that when we are dying all that matters is how much we’ve loved and how much we are loved. Rosemary, you loved well and will be sadly missed by those who loved you.”

Rosemary was pre-deceased by her parents, her siblings Alice and Dr. Ausmon Edgar Culmer, Jr.; her husband of 60 years, Earl D. Hiller (2004); and their sons Dwain Earl (1974) and Ralph. Edgar (2014)

She is survived by daughter-in-law Paula Hiller, her Grandsons Robert Hiller and his wife Christie, and Justin Lauffer, Granddaughter Christyn Byler and her husband Josh, Great Grandsons Christian and Reiland Hiller, Kuhlin and Gentry Byler, great Granddaughters Alyx and Alicia Holmberg, Great-great grandchildren Athena, Emma, Jaxon and Nikolai. Special daughter Katie O’Connor and her husband Peter and many Nieces and Nephews. A Grandmother to the extended family of Melodie Toland and her children; Collin Toland, Amber Packer and husband Gene, Tiffany Kanny and husband Scott, and Mariah Toland her husband Zach. Great Grandchildren Hope, Faith, Grace, Daniel, Taylor, Leea and Walker; and Great-great granddaughter Clementine; Kevan Gentry and his wife Jeannie and their children Clint and Jarod Gentry.

Rosemary’s memorial service (celebration of life) will be at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1401 NW 25th Street in Oklahoma City with Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park on Saturday October 2nd at 2pm. There will be a “Come & Go” for family and friends at the church on Friday, October 1st from 5pm to 7pm for an informal gathering. If you wish to bring a story or written memories about Rosemary, we welcome these at this time or you can mail or email to Paula Hiller, 3700 Amelia Ave., Oklahoma City, Ok 73112, [email protected] for a memory book for our family.

In lieu of flowers, Rosemary has requested memorials be made to Wesley United Methodist Church and Casady School of Okla. City. For those wanting to send flowers they can send them to Wesley United Methodist Church, 1401 NW 25th Street Oklahoma City, Ok 73106.