Viola H. Hilliard, age 95, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on October 25, 2021. Vi was born to John J. and Hilma (Sahinoja) Polkky in Hancock, Michigan on April 12, 1926. She was one of four children. The family moved to Bruce Crossing, where Mr. Polkky managed the Settler’s Cooperative store for many years. Vi was a graduate of Ewen High School.
Vi married Carl Wallen, and they lived in Ewen, Michigan. Together they ran the Ewen Real Estate and Insurance Agency until Mr. Wallen’s death in 1967.
Vi married the Rev. James R. Hilliard in 1969. They lived in Janesville, Wisconsin, and Rochester, Escanaba, Houghton Lake, and Ontonagon, Michigan. While in Ontonagon, they also served parishes in the communities of Ewen, Trout Creek, Rockland, Greenland, Bergland, and White Pine. They “retired” to Cherokee Village, Arkansas, where they also served two United Methodist churches.
The Hilliards took their second retirement by moving to the Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, Michigan. Vi developed lasting friendships with other residents and staff members there. Rev. Hilliard died in 2013.
Vi is predeceased by her parents, and her siblings, Mrs. Albert (Vivian) Koski, Reynold Polkky, and Richard Polkky. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Mark Koski, Susan DeLisle, Robert Koski, John Polkky, Jeff Polkky, Deborah Reid, Wayne Polkky, David Polkky, Robin Otto, John Wallen, Julie Fonner, and Mary Miller; and by cousins, Jean Vassar, JoAnn Johnson, Margaret Grachek, Mary Ann Micheletti, Michael Micheletti, Carol Sangrey, and Dale Micheletti.
Memorial arrangements are pending through the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences can be sent to the family by mail to Mary Miller, 1330 East Sunburst Lake Tempe, Arizona 85284.
