HILLIS, Marion A. - b. November 16, 1859 - d. January 9, 1934

[Sharon Hillis]

From a Montrose, Colorado, Newspaper January 1934.
M.A. Hillis Dies at Oak Grove Home:  Pioneer Resident
   M. A. Hillis prominent resident of the Oak Grove region passed away Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Hillis was born Nov. 16, 1859, at Frankfort, Ind., in Tipton, County.  His parents moved to Howard, Kansas, in 1871 and there he grew to manhood.
   Mr. Hillis and Miss Elizabeth Maloney were married December 4, 1883, at Howard, Kansas, and celebrated their golden wedding the first of last month.
   For about 13 years following their marriage they made their home I the vicinity of Howard and when they made a change of location went into what was then called the Washington Territory.  There residence there was of short duration, since they soon decided to join Mrs. Hillis' sister and her family, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Rollins, in Montrose.  They arrived in this city in 1896, locating in the Oak Grove District, where they have been engaged in farming and stock raising practically ever since.  One year was spent in Seattle, Washington and various parts of California.    To this union seven children were born, six boys and one girl.  One boy passed away in infancy and another met a tragic death, having been struck by lightning.  The living children are, Elbert L. Hillis of Seattle, Washington; Francis M. Hillis of Maywood, California; John M. Hillis of Princeton, California; Mrs. Wesley Frasier and Paul Hillis of Montrose.
   In addition to the children, Mr. Hillis is survived by five brothers, two step-brothers and one step sister, namely: James Hillis of Seattle, Wash.; C. D. Hillis of Arlington, Wash.; M. R. Hillis of Cedaredge, Colo.; Benjamin Hillis, B. C.; Roy Hillis, Howard, Kans.; Milton Shaw and William Shaw and Mrs. Lillie Hostetter, all of Howard, Kans.
   Mr. Hillis was a great home man and always had a great love for children,  In young manhood in Kansas he was leader of singing in singing schools.  During his residence in Oak Park section he always took an active part in the development of the community until the past year or so when his health caused him to be confined to his home most of the time.
   Mr. Hillis was a man of high ideals and greatly beloved by all who knew him and all are saddened by his passing.
   Funeral services will be arranged when his children arrive.  The remains are at the Home Mortuary.