Jo Ann Hillger

Jo Ann Hillger, 84, longtime resident of Garden City, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Thursday, July 31, 2025. She will lie in-state at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring on Sunday, August 3rd from 2pm-9pm, and the family will receive friends from 5pm-6pm. Rosary will be held at 9:00 am, Monday, August 4, 2025 at St Lawrence Catholic Church followed by Mass at 9:30 am. Interment will follow at Garden City Cemetery, and then a meal will be served at the St. Lawrence Hall.

Jo Ann was born May 11, 1941 in Odessa, Texas to parents Ernest A. Deiterman and Cecilia (Landers) Deiterman. She was raised with her sister Betty in Odessa. Growing up, her family enjoyed hunting and would visit the Hillger family in Glasscock County. At this young age, she met and fell in love of her life, Dale Roy Hillger.  On November 9, 1958, they eloped to Vincent, Texas and began their life together. They made their first home in Imperial Beach, California where Dale served as a Navy Seabee. After being discharged, they lived in Oklahoma, Midland, Stanton, and finally made Glasscock County their home where they farmed and ranched. They started their family in 1960 with the arrival of their first son, Mike, followed by their 2nd son, Scotty, in 1963.  Finally – seven years later, Jo Ann’s prayers for a girl where answered when Dana was born.  While raising her family, she was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church where she served as a choir member,  eucharistic minister, CCD teacher, and lecturer.  She was also a lifetime member of the St. Theresa Altar Society, serving many terms as an officer.  Jo Ann served the county for many years as a Volunteer EMT.  She supported her community as a member of the 4-H Adult Leaders Association and Garden City Booster Club member/officer.  Jo Ann enjoyed painting, quilting, sewing, fishing, gardening, and later she found the love for golf, playing regularly as a member/officer of the Comanche Trails Ladies Golf Association until the age of 82.  She will be remembered most as being the best Granny and Great-Granny to her family.  

 She is survived by sons Michael Hillger (Nancy) and Scott Hillger (Andrea); grandchildren: Justin Hillger (Emily) Brian Hillger (Jessica), Darren Hillger (Kristen), Trey Hillger (Leslie), Kevin Hillger (Sarah), Marcus Cook (Lauren) and Britni Hamilton (Matthew); great grandchildren: Hayden, Thomas, Clayton, Justley, Charley, Reagan, Lilly, Jude, Lacey, Logan, Hope, Emma, Shane, Carson, Levi, Wyatt, Henry, Mateo, Eli and baby Hamilton arriving in December; brothers-in-law: Paul Sims, Robert Hillger (Leta) and David Hillger (Debra) along with numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Dale of 46 years, daughter and son-in-law Dana Hillger Cook (Brian), sister Betty Tanner (Jerry) and sister-in-law Ann Sims.

Jo Ann’s pallbearers are her grandsons and grandson-in-law.

Rosary & Funeral Mass services will be live streamed on the St. Lawrence Catholic Church Facebook Page (Garden City) for those who are unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jo Ann’s honor to the Glasscock County Volunteer Fire Department and EMS at PO Box 55, Garden City, Tx 79739.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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