Homelake resident Edna Aileen Hiller, 99, passed away February 24, 2014 at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake.
Edna was born in Casselton, North Dakota on July 11, 1914 to Finas “Pop” W. Smith and Catherine “Mom” Cooney Smith, who lived in Antonito from the 1940’s until their deaths in the 1970’s. When Edna was living in Tusas, New Mexico, she met Calvin Hiller at Tres Piedras. They were married on July 12, 1940 in Taos. After their marriage, Calvin was drafted into the Army and served during World War II.
Edna taught school for many years at various towns in New Mexico and Colorado until her retirement. She had many friends and loved playing cards with whomever she could find. Edna was an avid reader and enjoyed crafting.
She is survived by her daughter Linda (Pat) Abeyta of Antonito; her grandchildren Mark (Sheli) Bechaver, Brian (Leslie) Bechaver, Merlyn (Ricky) Vigil and Mikeal Abeyta, as well as eight great grandchildren.
Edna is preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1967, and her daughter Catherine Ann Bechaver in 1972.
In following her wishes, cremation was chosen and private services will be held at a later date. She will be placed with her husband at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Contributions in her memory are suggested to either the Special Olympics of Colorado or to the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake and may be made in care of the funeral home office.