Thursday, March 18, 2010 2:55 pm

Rachel was born to Bill & Nanny Milligan on December 28, 1922 in Woodbury, Tennessee. She was one of eleven children. Preceded in death by brothers, Brown Milligan and Billy Milligan and by a sister, Sammye Tenpenny. She graduated from Cannon County High School as the Valedictorian and moved to Chicago where she met Jack.

Jack was born to Carl & Anna Hillstrom on June 1, 1917 in New Rockford, North Dakota. He was one of seven children. Preceded in death by brothers, Bernard Hillstrom, Gordon Hillstrom and Virgil Hillstrom and by sisters, Helen Packard and Louella Sanville.

Jack was in the Army when they met and they were married in Woodbury on March 25, 1944 shortly before he was sent over seas during WWII. Upon his return from the war they began their life together in Tennessee. They moved to Minnesota and lived and worked there for many years until their retirement. Then they headed south to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and spent over 20 years enjoying life. Rachel enjoyed clogging, country line dancing and wrote beautiful poems for friends and family. While Jack enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his pals, shooting pool and reading his western books. They were a great team with good morals and pride combined with humor and common sense. They shared 62 years of marriage together before Rachel passed on May 18, 2006. Jack followed on September 14, 2009.

In our house she is fondly remembered,
Sweet memories cling to her name;
Those who loved her in life sincerely,
Still love her in death the same.

He had a nature you could not help loving,
And a heart that was pure gold.
To those who knew and loved him,
His memory will never grow old.

They are survived by their three children: Jack Hillstrom & spouse Thoy of Minnesota, Bill Hillstrom of Tennessee and Beverly Hillstrom-Bean & spouse Dennis of California; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving Rachel are brothers, Jack Milligan of McMinnville and Jimmy Milligan of Cocoa Beach, FL; sisters, Margie Lorance of Charlotte, NC; Quixie Carroll of Manchester, Shirley Tate of Merritt Island, FL, Betty Billings of McMinnville and Helon Gentry of Woodbury. Surviving Jack also, is his sister, Ione Klocke of North Dakota.

A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home on March 25, 2010 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Followed by a graveside service at Leoni Cemetery. The U. S. Military Honor Guard will be present to fold the flag and present it to the family. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (615)563-5337.
www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net