Ruth Lillian Hollis, 89, of Foster, RI (formerly Binghamton, NY: Elmira, NY; Franklin, IN; Newton Centre, MA; Oakland, CA; Norfolk, VA; Kittery, ME; Middletown, RI; Camp LeJeune, NC; Tiverton, RI; North Kingstown, RI; Hope Valley, RI; Watkins Glen, NY; and throughout the United States wherever they parked their motorhome) completed her earthly ministry, closed her eyes, and saw the One whom she had served so faithfully throughout her life on Thursday, May 21, 2015.

She was born November 16, 1925 to Burnis and Ruth Parmelee in Binhamton, NY. She grew up in Elmira, NY with her brother, Carl (Dorothy Shelford), and sisters, Mildred (Bud Carroll) and Phyllis (Henry Welshans). She attended Hendy Ave School, Elmira Free Academy, Arnot Ogden Nursing, and Franklin College. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Elmira.

She began her career as a Nurse and ended up as the College Nurse in Franklin, Indiana where she met William F. Hollis. They were married August 27, 1949 in Elmira, NY and she began her life as a Navy Wife, Minister's Wife, and Professional Volunteer.
She became a mother to Brian Paul, William (Billy) Alexander, Robert (Bob) Ferguson, and Elizabeth (Beth) Jean and her life centered around being Lillian and the Five B's as she made sure that her family and home were grounded in love, faith, and opportunity.

Above all she loved and served her God and spent her life making sure others received the love and wisdom of God through her actions. She served as an Intake Specialist for Navy Relief, a Hostess for the Participants in the Walk on Washington for Poverty and Hunger, one of the first Hospice Volunteers in RI and the Johnnycake Center in Bradford, RI. She started Meals on Wheels in South County. She was an unpaid Social Worker in any group to which she belonged.
She was often a Missions Coordinator for her church; taught Sunday School and Bible Studies, led Vacation Bible School and retreats, was instrumental in American Baptist Women's Ministers, the Council of Churches, and Macedonian Ministries. She organized Crop Walks, hosted Community Thanksgiving Dinners, included any sailor far from home into our Christmas Celebrations, and made Prayer Shawls and Remsin Blankets as part of a worldwide ministry. She provided rides to hospitals, doctors appointments, to anyone who had a need. At Canonicus Camp and Conference Center, she coordinated day camp for the South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, served as a Cook, was the Craft Lady for Day Camp, became the Resident Grandmother, and led Elder Hostels. She tutored children in an Inner-city After School Program in Norfolk, was always a room mother for her children, and was a Reading Buddy in Watkins Glen, NY. She served on the School Committee at Chariho Regional School. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, worked at the ICARE Hurricane Andrew Relief Center in Florida, and even Made Blankets for the Elmira Pioneers' wives who had babies while they were with the team. She was a Foster Home and Friend in Need to unwed mothers, lonely Navy wives, and Students at the University. It is no wonder that She and Bill received the JC Penny Citizen of the Year.

Her extended family included the congregations of Old Stone Church, Hope Valley Baptist Church, Montour Falls Baptist Church, the Acoaxet Chapel, and the Greene Community Church,

She is survived by her grandchildren, Brandi (and her mom Connie), Andrew and Amy (and their mom Kathy), Stephanie and Will (and their mom, Erin), AnaCapri (and her mom, Carol), her Grand-dogs, Henry and Buddy, her great-grandchildren, Bailey and Kiran, and many beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends.

There will be a Mac and Cheese Memorial Dinner and Celebration of her Life in the Shaub Dining Hall at Canonicus (543 Exeter Road, Exeter, RI) on Tuesday, June 2 at 6pm. Dinner will begin at 6 and the Service to Celebrate Lillian's Life will follow. (Please RSVP to Bob Hollis - RevBobH@gmail.com or 401-440-7831 if you are coming for Dinner.) You are invited to bring a dessert to share.

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation to your favorite charity and, most appropriately, commit yourself to volunteer hours at a local ministry or mission.