DENICE M. HILLIARD

 Denice’s life began Sept. 23, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. She spent most of her childhood growing up in Chicago until she was in her teens and her parents’ love for Paw Paw Lake would lead them to relocate to Watervliet. After high school she attended college pursuing her love for art. She eventually went to work in billing as an insurance specialist for Berrien Mental Health. Denice loved caring for her home and family. She will be remembered as an excellent cook and baker. To unwind Denice enjoyed watching cooking shows.

 Denice’s greatest joy was her family which includes her husband of 53 years James Hilliard; two children, Graham (Shannon) Hilliard and Claire (Valentino) Suriano; two step-grandchildren, Acacia Robertson and Isaac Robertson; she was excitedly looking forward to her soon to be born grandchild; two siblings, Erica Lohr and Bob Lohr, and several nieces and nephews.

 Denice died Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert Earl and Marie Terese (Gareri) Lohr.

 Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Denice’s family with cremation and they will celebrate her life privately. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for her family at hutchinsfuneral.com.