Frances T. Hilliard

Frances Terpenning Hilliard, 95, passed into the hands of the Lord on July 22, 2012 at Riverview Manor in Owego, NY. Frances was born on Feb. 10, 1917 in Dryden, NY the daughter of LeRoy (Tom) and Cora Terpenning. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Clinton, her sister and brother, Eva Baird Wickes and Willard Terpenning. She is survived by her sons Edwin and wife Brenda, Arthur and wife Natalie, daughter Sue (Hills) Smith and husband, Richard. Five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.At age 17, she was the graduate Valedictorian of her class at Dryden High School. She went on to graduate with high honors from Cortland Business Institute and proceeded to be employed as Pay Officer at Smith Corona in Cortland. In 1942 Newark Valley became her home and she became a very active in the community. As a member of the First United Methodist Church of Newark Valley for over 60 years, she served in many capacities including Finance Secretary, Treasurer, Sunday School teacher and religious education teacher in the public schools for 16 years. She was the first woman to be elected Trustee and was a member of the Official Board and Administrative Council. In addition, Frances held all offices in the United Methodist Women, became Church Historian following the passing of Lena Bushnell and was chairman of all wedding receptions, funeral dinners and countless other church suppers. She was a 60 year member of ONYX Chapter 196, OES, holding every office excluding Musician; served as Past District Deputy, Grand Matron, President of the Past Grands Assoc., Treasurer of the MaStar Committee and was honored with the Dedicated Service Award. She also served on the Board of Directors and the Budget and Agency Committee for Tioga United Way; was a Board member for the Tiotomca Area Girl Scouts and Camp Director for the area; was a former member of Gem Rebekah Lodge in Newark Valley; served as historian of the Newark Valley Senior Citizens; kept scrapbooks for the Newark Valley Historical Society and was an Election Inspector and part time worker for the Tioga County Boards of Elections. One of her greatest joys was being a charter member of the TOPS NY Chapter # 1065 in 1995. She served here as Secretary, Treasurer and Weight Recorder and was crowned Queen of the Chapter in 1997. She was a KOPS for 12 years, went to many conventions and loved every person she came in contact with through TOPS. She received the Tioga County Senior Citizen of the Year award and also was the Local Honoree of Eckerds Salute to Women, both in 1999. Frances was an exceptional cook and a wonderful hostess for many memorable meals at her home where one would always find a cup of coffee and some of her legendary molasses cookies. She enjoyed the many varieties of birds that would visit her backyard feeders; loved to travel with Clint throughout the US and also to Europe where they were able to visit with their son. Everyone loved Frances because she loved everyone and would always take time to listen. She had a wonderful life and will be greatly missed. Her family would like to express their gratitude to all of the staff at Riverview Manor for the exceptional care given to Frances. She truly felt like it was her home.A period of visitation will be held on Sunday, July 29th from 5-7 PM at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. Eastern Star Services will be conducted at 6:46 pm. A Funeral Service and celebration of her life will be held at the MacPherson Funeral Home on Monday at 1 PM. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. For those wishing, kindly consider directing memorials to the Memorial Fund of the First United Methodist Church, 70 S. Main St, Newark Valley, NY 13811. You may also share your memories and condolences at macphersonfh.com