Satanta - Sylvia Hilliard, 103, died February 4, 2021 at Satanta Long Term Care Unit. She was born on August 29, 1917 in Copeland, the daughter of William Christian and Gesina Sophia Katherine (Ahrens) Feuers.

She grew up in Copeland and after graduating from high school, she and Clifford Hilliard were married in Meade on December 2, 1935. They lived in Ashland for seven years before Clifford joined the Army in December of 1942. He served one year and then they moved to Dodge City, where he worked for Caterpillar for two years. In January of 1946, they leased the restaurant in the Legion in Copeland and opened for business in March of that year. In December of 1946, they purchased a new building and opened for business there in February of 1947. They were there until August of 1978, completing thirty-one and a half years in the restaurant business. Her nieces and nephews and many others remember their visits to the restaurant where they were treated as VIP's and served hamburgers, chocolate malts, and fresh cut French fries.

One son, Larry, was born to them on January 30, 1945. Sadly, he only lived about two and a half years, passing away July 9, 1947 from complications after an appendectomy. When Cliff's mother died, they bought the house in Copeland that had been her home and lived out their lives there. Cliff died on March 28, 1993 after they had been married over 57 years.

Sylvia accepted Christ as her Savior in 1929 when she was 12 years old and was baptized in 1932. She joined the Copeland Christian Church at that time.

Sylvia enjoyed quilting and crocheting. Many of her nieces and nephews are enjoying having the items she made in their homes. She liked to make cookies and did so for many years for Joy Club each week. Sylvia enjoyed playing the piano and played for church while she was in high school. She was a member of the Friday afternoon club for many years and served as chairman of the cemetery committee. Sylvia spent a lot of time doing activities at the Copeland Senior Center. A special hobby Sylvia enjoyed was sending cards and notes to friends and family. In 1999, she began writing the Copeland News for the Montezuma Press. Sylvia enjoyed calling to get the news, writing it up, and getting it into Montezuma in time for printing.

Sylvia is survived by seven nephews; nine nieces; many great nephews and nieces; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cliff; son, Larry; brothers, George, Warner, and Ben; sisters, Stella, Villa, Margaret, and Anna; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at the Copeland Christian Church on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:30 AM with Pastor Doug Harris presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. The family requests those attending the funeral wear a face mask and practice social distancing. Family and friends may watch the service via live stream on the funeral home Facebook page. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Friday, February 12, 2021 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Copeland Christian Church, Copeland Cemetery, or the Copeland Senior Center in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.