Tillie M. Hawkins

God gave the gift of life to Tillie on Monday, June 5, 1922 in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Irvy & Gertrude (Randall) Strohkirch, and was called to her heavenly home on Monday, May 22, 2017. Tillie lived on a farm in Benton as a little girl until the family moved to Ziegler, Illinois. There she met and married Robert Leonard “Len” Hawkins. Shortly after being married, Tillie and Len moved to Chicago where Len was hired by US Steel. She was a homemaker for much of their marriage, raising their two children, Shirley and Robert. Later in life, she became trained as a massage therapist and worked in that capacity until retiring in the mid-1980’s. Tillie and Len moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas following his retirement. Tillie enjoyed her time in Arkansas where she was a volunteer with several organizations in the Hot Springs area. Following Len’s death in 1989, Tillie stayed in Arkansas for a few more years before moving to Richmond, Kansas, where she lived for 10 years with her daughter. The last seven years she lived in Garnett, Kansas at Parkview Heights Living Center. Tillie had a strong Christian faith throughout her entire life. Anyone who knew Tillie knew that Christ was the center of her life. She taught Sunday School for many years. Each day began and ended with Tillie studying her Bible. She was a warrior for God in so many ways: as a constant witness, a soldier for prayer, and faithful servant. Tillie is survived by her daughter, Shirley Stewart, of Ottawa; five grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Len, her son Robert, and grandson Chuck Stewart. The family suggests memorial contributions to Muscular Dystrophy Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S Hickory, Ottawa KS 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Tillie’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com