Joellen Hilligoss

Joellen Hilligoss, 90, of Anderson, IN went to be with her Lord on September 30, 2025, after an extended illness at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 28, 1935, in Anderson, daughter of Laughren and Inez (Eskew) Colvin.

She graduated from Anderson High School, Class of 1953, and later married the love of her life, Wendell Hiligoss (who she met in kindergarden) on September 9, 1956. They were married at the Evangelical United Bretheren Church in Anderson by Rev. Lanahan. She then joined the First United Methodist Church in Anderson and was a current member.

She was employed by Delco Remy as Secretary of Contract Administration and later as Head of Policy Issue at Laymen Life Insurance Company. Between jobs she was a homemaker and devoted wife, raising their children, and doted over her grandchildren.

She and her husband enjoyed traveling and roamed the states in their RVs from coast to coast, including Alaska. She especially loved the Smoky Mountains where they owned property, packed lunch for an all-day hike, looking for bears. She worked dozens of picture puzzles, crossword puzzles, needlework, tatting, and taught her grandchildren how to bake bread.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years and her children, Alice K. (Tom) Heruth, Wendy L. Hilligoss, Michael A. (Stephanie) Hilligoss, and Susan Hardacre; her grandchildren, Ashley (Josh) Blanton, Lexie Heruth, and T. Michael Sheahan (fiance, Mikayla Cummings), one great-granddaughter, Eleanor Blanton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jack Colvin; mother and father-in-law, Arthur and Catherine Hilligoss; and son-in-law, Lee Hardacre.

Services will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. with visitation from 11:00 AM until time of service at Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, with Pastors Donna Goings and Corrine Boruff officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Anderson or Shriners Children's Hospital, or charity of the donor's choice.