Terry (Teresa Ann) Hilliard

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(April 15, 1915 - April 18, 2013)

In the early hours of Thursday, April 18, 2013, Terry (Teresa Ann) Hilliard died at her home, leaving behind a legacy of being a strong-willed, proud and independent woman. She was 98.

She was the second child of Michael and Susie Anania, born April 15, 1915 in Omaha, Neb. Her mother died when Terry was only 15, leaving her the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning and raising the younger kids. After leaving Omaha she went to beauty school and became a beautician.

She married A.E. (Sandy) Hilliard Oct. 10, 1941 and followed him in his oilfield career, doing hair along the way. They finally settled in Casper, and she opened up “Terry’s Beauty Shoppe” and finally retired in 2001. Sandy and Terry divorced in 1963.

She bought a red 1967 Pontiac Tempest and spent the next 38 years peeling out after the light turned green. She loved that car and driving fast. Bowling was her second love. She won the Women’s Singles title in 1968. She relished her teammates and all the tournaments they had won together. They traveled to Phoenix, San Francisco and Minneapolis to compete at the next level.

A friend had given her a little poodle. She didn’t think she needed a dog but that was exactly what she needed. After Mini Pooh passed she took on two more, both named Charlie, and left behind a long-haired Chihuahua named Millie. She loved her pets, loved to travel back to Omaha to see family and shop in the city. Terry also loved to go dancing and listen to music, to play Rummikub or dice, the N.Y. Yankees and the L.A. Lakers. She loved Casper, Wyoming and loved her family and friends.

Terry moved to Powell in 2003 to be closer to family. She had great neighbors who would shovel her snow, come for weekly visits, bring goodies to eat, celebrate the holidays with her. She knew she was surrounded by good people and appreciated what they did for her.

Her last week on this earth was wonderful. She received her renewed driver’s license that was good for another four years. On Monday, she celebrated her 98th birthday with family, friends, lots of cards, phone calls and visits. On Tuesday, she drove herself to her doctor’s appointment and got a good report. On Wednesday evening, she was watching a NBA game, fell asleep in her recliner and never woke up. Her prayers had been answered, and she was finally returning to her family who she loved and longed for.

She knew her strong Catholic faith would take her where she wanted to go. She will be missed and will be forever in her loved ones’ hearts.

Terry was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sisters: Angelo (Dora) Anania, Frank (Grace) Anania, Tony Anania all of Omaha, Neb., Jean (Babe Funke) of Powell; a nephew Frank Anania of Omaha, Neb.; and a great-nephew, Reece Schleich of Powell.

Survivors include nephews and nieces: Suzanne Drake, Steve Anania of Omaha, Neb., Susie Heye of Colorado, Michael Anania of Illinois, Dan (Maureen) Funke of Las Cruces, N.M. and Terry (Larry) Schleich of Powell; great-niece Michelle (John) of Omaha; and great-nephews Mike (Tanya) Funke of San Antonio, Texas, and AJ (Nikki) Schleich of Mesa, Ariz.; and several great-great-nieces and nephews.

Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net or P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY 82435.

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