Hiwiller

On June 13, 2022, Dolores Irene Hiwiller passed away at Quality Life Services Sugarcreek, Armstrong County.

She was born on April 28, 1931. Dolores was the daughter of the late Joseph Kenneth McElroy and Florence Kamerer McElroy.

Dolores was born in “Frogtown” and lived most of her life in Sugarcreek Township. She spent a couple of years in Cincinnati, Ohio, Butler, and Savannah, Ga., but the hilltop at the edge of her grandfather’s farm was home.

Dolores was a graduate of East Brady High School and the Butler Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.

She married Donnell G. Hiwiller on June 14, 1952, and he preceded her in death on March 25, 2019.

As a registered nurse, Dolores began her career at what was then “Kittanning” Hospital. She worked at Butler Memorial Hospital for 22 years, first in pediatrics and then in their “new” intensive care unit. When her health issues complicated “on the floor nursing,” she went to work for the Visiting Nurses and then at the Hoffman Medical Center through National Health Services Corps. She was awarded a grant through the Federal Rural Health Initiative that expanded health care in under-served portions of rural America. As part of this grant, Dolores had the opportunity to travel to Wichita State University to be trained, along with her late friend, Betty Conto, as a nurse practitioner. Dolores and Betty were among the first certified and registered nurse practitioners in the country. As a CRNP, Dolores worked at the Petrolia and Cowansville Medical Centers. One of Dolores’ favorite jobs was doing well childcare for the babies delivered by the late Dr. John Garrett. She continued to work as a CRNP into her seventies.

Reading, sewing, knitting and enjoying the flowers in her yard were favorite pastimes. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her most-favored activities. Dolores was generous with her time, medical expertise and other support for her grandchildren. She loved animals, especially her cats; 19-year-old Fred and Tiny Little survive her.

Dolores served as Worthy Matron of the East Brady Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. In 2021, she was named “Queen of Quality Life Services,” a title she cherished. (She loved that crown!)

Within the extended family and in the community, Dolores was often called on when medical emergencies arose. She cared for her husband, parents, grandparents, brother, and uncle, Boyd McElroy, as they reached the end of their lives.

Dolores was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Community Church in Chicora. She was a Sunday school teacher and served on many committees. She and her husband, Don, worked with the youth fellowship for several years.

Dolores and Don are survived by two daughters, Karen King, PsyD, (husband Raymond Edward), and Sue Shirey RN, (husband Galen).

Completing the family are grandchildren, Jesse (Jessica) Shirey, DVM, Emily (Gene) Rapp, DVM, Lindsay (Mark) Kloepping and Jordan (Caitlin) King.

Dolores had 11 great-grandchildren, Grady, Sophia, Stella and Colton Shirey, Jeb, Libby and Cameron Rapp, Noah and Lia Kloepping, and Maris and Stellan King.

Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Patricia Hiwiller Reimer; her nieces, Amy Weibel and Laurie (Jerry) Lisanti and family; her nephew, M. Dann (Cheryl) Weibel and family; her aunt, Ruby Kamerer; and many Kamerer cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff and administration of QLS Sugarcreek along with the Tack family for their kindness, tolerance and care of Mom during her stay in long-term care. A special thank you to Kelly Montgomery, QLS manager, who befriended Mom and supported all of us.

HIWILLER — Visitation for Dolores Irene Hiwiller, who died Monday, June 13, 2022, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at SNYDER-CRISSMAN FUNERAL HOME, 832 East Brady Road, Cowansville.

Additional viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Community Church, RD1 Chicora, with the Rev. Frank Sapp officiating.

Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be directed to Just Us For Animals, 496 Seminole Road, New Bethlehem, PA 16242, or a charity of their choice.

For more information or to send an online condolence please visit www.snydercrissman.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.