Obituary for Dorothy Hillhouse

Dorothy Hillhouse

June 9, 1921 – August 22, 2017

Dorothy L. Hillhouse, age 96, longtime resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at her home.

A memorial ceremony to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Northeast Baptist Church with Dr. Larry E. Nigh officiating. Dorothy’s final resting place will be alongside her husband in the Barnsdall, Oklahoma cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Born in Bristow, OK, Dorothy was the youngest of 10 children. Early life was challenging for her as both of her parents passed away while she was still a child, and she was raised by her two oldest sisters. After graduating from high school and nursing school, she worked as a nurse until she met the love of her life, John Leslie Hillhouse. They were married on November 26, 1941 in Wilburton, OK. Like many young men of that era, Leslie began military service in January 1942 and was deployed overseas until October 1945. At that time, they established their home in Barnsdall, OK, where they lived until moving to Ponca City in May 1955. Through the years, Dorothy has been a faithful Christian serving as a Sunday school teacher and in other helpful areas while attending Second Baptist Church in Ponca City before becoming a member at Northeast Baptist Church. Sundays were the highlight of her week, with worship services in the morning, then time with family around a well-cooked meal and returning to church for Sunday night services. While her children were in school, she became active in the PTA, serving as the president for multiple years. Dorothy enjoyed cooking delicious food, sewing, gardening, fishing, watching NFL and college football and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball, and doting on her grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the many ladies who provided 24-hour care and support for Dorothy, especially Faye Eckels, whose love and commitment for the past four years made it possible for Dorothy to remain in her own home.

Survivors include her beloved daughters Karen Capeheart and husband Jim of Ponca City, Luella Sanders and husband Roger of Wichita, KS, treasured grandchildren Tamara Harter of McPherson, KS, John Hillhouse of Oklahoma City, OK, Jason Hillhouse and wife Cristy of Perry, OK, Kristin Busha and husband Mark of Broken Arrow, OK, Philip Capeheart and wife Juliette of Jenks, OK, Christopher Thompson and wife Kelsey of Piedmont, OK, Brad Thompson and wife Tamara of Yukon, OK, Drew Thompson of Okarche, OK, Elisa Thompson of Oklahoma City, OK, and Anthony Sanders and wife Brandy of Derby, KS, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, parents, all of her brothers and sisters, her son James Leslie Hillhouse, daughter Linda Louise Thompson, grandson James David Capeheart, great-granddaughter Alysha Mari Harter, several nieces and nephews, and many very dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829 , Arlington, VA 22215, www.diabetes.org or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601, www.hospiceofnorthcentraloklahoma.org

Source: Trout Funeral Home