CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Rita Hillman, 80, passed away peacefully at her home on July 23, 2026. Born on May 23, 1946, in Waterville, Maine, Rita was the beloved daughter of Alice and John McKenna. She lived a life marked by dedication, kindness, and deep commitment to her family and friends.

Rita was a devoted and loving wife to Harvey R. Gurney Sr., deceased and Dale Hillman whom married for 50 plus years, shared together a lifetime of love and cherished moments.

She was employed at the Clinton Ski-Land Woolen Mill, Hathaway before beginning a long and dedicated career at Colby College, where she served for 21 years prior to her retirement in 2012. She took great pride in her work and deeply valued the relationships she built throughout her career.

Rita enjoyed shopping, visiting with friends, watching Western films and television programs. She especially cherished and loved Mickey Mouse. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Dale Hillman; her children, Harvey R. Gurney Jr. (wife Rhonda) Weare, NH, Lynda Pinard (partner John Mayhew) Benton, ME, Tammy Poulin (husband, Raymond) Vassalboro, ME, and John Gurney (partner Jaime Danforth) Fairfield Center, ME, Tina Steves (husband Jeffrey deceased) Belgrade, ME.

Her grandchildren, Dante Kane, Victoria Boilard, Alan Boilard, Rachel Wolfe, Jordan Gurney, Morgan Gurney, Beverly McDaniel, Justin Hillman, Jamie Millett and Alanna Tatro; and her great-grandchildren, Harley McEachern, Arinna Gurney, Mariana Gurney, Mariah McDaniel, Natasha McDaniel, Natalie McDaniel and Makayla McDaniel. She also has several nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her brother, John McKenna (wife Ruth) Harmony, ME; her sister, Joan Varney (partner Jimi) (deceased husband James Sr.) Winslow, ME; her sister (Helen Elliott deceased) husband Jerome Waterville, ME; and her brother, Robert McKenna (partner Timmy) (wife Gail, deceased) Milford, NH,​ along with many extended family members, dear friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Rita will be remembered for her gentle spirit, caring heart, warm smile, and unwavering love for her family. Her kindness, compassion, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery in Clinton, Maine. We will be following to East Benton Church, 500 East Benton Rd., Benton, ME. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend as they gather to honor and celebrate Rita's life, share memories, and reflect on the many ways she enriched the lives of others. Rita’s memory will be forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.