of Little Rock, AR
June 14, 1938 - February 27, 2022
Ernestine Keeling Hillis, 83, died February 27, 2022. She was born June 1938 in Tomahawk, Arkansas, a small community east of St. Joe near the Buffalo River. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Pearl Keeling and sister Betty Harris. Her esteemed brother Paul Ray Keeling, a frogman at Omaha Beach in WWII also precedes her in death.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years John Hillis of Little Rock, daughters Kim Hillis (Dr. Jean Matchett) of Little Rock and Dr. Nancy Hillis (Dr. Bruce Sawhill) of Santa Cruz, CA, and one beloved granddaughter Kimberly Pedersen, St. Andrews Scotland. Ernestine would want to recognize, Danny Harris, a nephew, who was like a son to her.
Ernestine graduated from St. Joe High School in 1956 and attended Springfield Business College. Besides taking care of John and raising daughters she operated a marketing research company, owned/managed properties, and raised cattle on a farm in Nashville, Arkansas. She and John loved their retirement years on Lake Hamilton, which included lakeside sunrises, sunset boat rides and good neighbors. Ernestine had a green thumb, always caring for a bevy of African violets and the landscaping at the lake home. More recently they moved to the Heights in Little Rock, near family, and have continued making good friends.
She was most successful at raising her daughters to be as fearless and aspiring as herself - one an executive in the pharmaceutical industry and the other an artist/physician. Her family will spend the rest of their lives loving her and telling Ernestine "fearless" stories.
The Hillis family is grateful to the staff at Memory Care of Little Rock and Kindred Hospice for their incredible care of Ernestine at the end of her life.
Graveside services for Ernestine will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 at Stone/Keeling Cemetery near St. Joe, Arkansas with Dr. Bob Clanton officiating.
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16 Condolence(s)
The Family of Lucile Horton
Sunday, March 27, 2022
We are so very sorry to hear of Earnestine’s passing and we pray for comfort to each of you during this difficult time. She was a special lady and will be greatly missed but her memory lives on… They are up there visiting again… May God bless you and keep you all. ♥ï¸
Joyce Adams Ham
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Prayers to the family. I will miss this sweet lady.
Darrell Bailey
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Kim and Family,
The Bailey Family sends it's warmest condolences. It sounds like Mrs. Hillis was a remarkable woman who lived an extraordinary life! We wish you all comfort in what must be many great memories, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Darrell, Elizabeth, Connor, and Clein
Nancy McDonald and Kim Gillispie
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Dear Kim and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. We share your sadness and wish you nothing but happy memories of your Mom. She will be missed by many…
Much Love,
Kim and Nancy
Martine Avello
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
My condolences during this difficult time. Kim you are a devoted and loving daughter and may your Mom’s loving memories comfort you during this time. Sending love and prayers to Kim, Jean and the Hillis Family.
Carolyn Wood
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
We shared many fun outings, visits, and times of laughter with Ernestine and John when we lived Nashville, AR. There will always be fond memories of her and the beautiful family. My sympathy to them at this time. 🥲
Amy Miller
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Kim,
Prayers for you and your family in your time of sorrow, to continue to be wrapped in the light and strength your mom raised you in.
Our deepest condolences,
The Miller family
Michele Dean
Monday, February 28, 2022
Kim,
Condolences to you and your family. Your mother was such a lovely woman who raised her “fearless†daughters with your dad. May you all be comforted by her memory during these difficult times.
Suzanne Marinakos
Monday, February 28, 2022
Kim and family,
The world lost a beautiful, fearless woman. How thoughtful and meaningful that she passed those treasures on because we need more individuals like her in the world. May you remember the wonderful times you had together and peace be with you during this very difficult time.
Don Hong
Monday, February 28, 2022
Kim,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. May your Mother rest in peace and she will never be forgotten. May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time and bring peace knowing that one day you guys will be together again.
Don
Stephanie Dolce
Monday, February 28, 2022
My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow, Kim & Jean. Praying you’ll find peace and comfort as you are surrounded by family & friends, sharing wonderful memories together.
-Stephanie Dolce
Dr. Neel Scarsdale
Monday, February 28, 2022
The world has lost a wonderful shining person who illumined many lives. Indeed the world is much poorer due to her passing. Her love for family was described by my very dear friend, Dr. Nancy Hillis, as a fierce love and was an inspiration for her daughters Nancy and Kim. That fierce love was an extension of her fearless nature. Nancy and Kim and Mr. Hillis, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Liana Duma
Monday, February 28, 2022
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Peace be with you all.
Shawn Arend
Monday, February 28, 2022
Kim,
Offering my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. May you always keep the wonderful memories you have of her in your heart, and continue to exude the 'fearless' mentality you learned from your mom. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
Shawn Arend
Christine Murphy
Monday, February 28, 2022
Kim and family,
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers for the passing of your remarkable mother, wife and grandmother.
The Murphy family
Megan Denton
Monday, February 28, 2022
Kim and family,
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother, wife, and grandmother. She seems to have been gorgeous inside and out - a very noteworthy woman who raised some very noteworthy daughters. Sending healing thoughts as you celebrate her life.
Megan Denton, Gavin & Aiden