Brenda Sue Hillard

Age 72, passed away November 19, 2025.  She was born August 10, 1953, in Charlotte, Michigan, to Emery W. Brown, Sr., and Grace L. (Leavitt) Brown.  Brenda graduated from Dansville High School (class of 1971).  She worked at Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company, Citizens Bank, and Sierra Instruments.  Brenda loved crafts, animals, jewelry, antiquing, and playing Euchre.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas R. Hillard and Donald G. Ries, and her sister, Lori Ann White.  She leaves behind her daughters, Crystel Ries and Erin (Benjamin Carlson) Hillard; brothers, Emery “Bill” (Deanna) Brown, Jr., Guy “Tom” (Sherry) Brown, and Emery “Butch” Burke, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, stepchildren, and step-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, where her family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, at 2:30 p.m. Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Home for Children, or to Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Brenda Sue Hillard.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, where her family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m.   A graveside service will take place in Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, at 2:30 p.m. Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Home for Children, or to Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Brenda Sue Hillard.