Elizabeth Ann Hillaker

Elizabeth Ann (Betty Ann) Hillaker returned to her heavenly home on April 3, 2022. Her devotion to her family and her belief in God supported her in her last days and gave her peace.

Betty Ann was born to the late Jesse Paul & Bertha Conner in National City, CA on March 5, 1937. She graduated from Hoover High School in 1955. Following her graduation from Redlands University in 1959, she received her teaching credential and accepted a position teaching in La Mesa, CA. In 1962, she spent a year teaching elementary school at the U.S. Army base in Kaiserslautern, Germany. During this time she traveled to the Soviet Union, East Berlin, and other Eastern European countries. She returned to teaching in La Mesa where she met Jerry Hillaker. They were married June 29, 1968, at Del Cerro Baptist Church in La Mesa, CA.

Betty Ann was blessed with a loving family. From the very beginning she dedicated her three children to God and encouraged them in their Christian walk. In September of 1981, Jerry accepted a job that took the family to England, where they enjoyed six wonderful years living in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The entire family was active at Sedge Fen Baptist Church in Suffolk, where Betty Ann taught Sunday School and GAs (Girls in Action), and played her violin with her daughters Nancy and Barbara.

After returning from England, Betty Ann and family joined Green Hills Baptist Church in La Habra, CA, where she served in many capacities: from Sunday School teacher and VBS teacher & director, to teaching violin lessons and playing her violin in worship. After Jerry's retirement, together they began serving and eventually leading short term mission trips to England, Wales, and Germany. From 1997 to 1999, they lived and served in Yorkshire, England, working with local congregations in evangelism and encouragement ministries.

In 2003, Betty Ann joined the Praise Symphony Orchestra (PSO), which performs concerts in churches throughout Southern California. In 2008 and 2011, Betty Ann, accompanied by Jerry, went on week-long trips to Chile with PSO, playing concerts in parks, prisons, and churches.

When asked what she'd like to be remembered for, Betty Ann wrote: "I don't think I care one bit about being remembered. When I'm gone, you'll know I'm with the Lord." She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who take comfort in the knowledge she is at peace with her creator.

Betty Ann is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jerry; her daughter Nancy and son-in-law John, her son David and daughter-in-law Dianna, her daughter Barbara and son-in-law Joshua; her granddaughter Emily and grandson-in-law Michael; her grandchildren, Rebekah, Hannah, John, Jesse, and Daniel; and her brother Bill and sister Patricia.