Dorothy "Lee" Lillick-Hall

Dorothy “Lee” (Jones) Lillick-Hall, aged 94, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023 while under care at Heather Knoll and Wellspring Hospice. Fiercely loyal (and sometimes stubborn), Lee’s dual joys in life were family and helping others, while expecting little in return. A Physical Education major by degree (proud lifetime alumnus of Kent State and member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority), Lee considered living life to its fullest her “exercise routine” and was always most comfortable with her sleeves rolled up and hands in the dirt.

She was a proud lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, including nearly six decades in Kent where she spent many years as the volunteer coordinator of the children's wing, was a member of Rebecca circle, and actively participated in all things “church”; truly a second family and an indispensable part of her life. Whether serving as a room mother, den mother or surrogate mother to many, or serving ice cream sundaes for Visiting Nurses or the Goodyear Band, and delivering Meals on Wheels, she thrived in service to others—something which she was prior honored by being named Portage County Volunteer of the Year.  An avid gardener, Lee was an active member in the Kent and Portage County Garden Clubs, and was honored as a lifetime member of the Elm Garden Club.

She cherished memories of camping in SW Montana, spending months in a tent with her boys, a revolver under her pillow and a few rattlesnake skins to her credit. Many families from the Kent area can attest to the rustic beauty of the property and fond memories created. Lee loved being a coach's wife, a band member's wife, and being a mom, grandma, great grandma and friend to all. She endured hardships in her life but never wavered in her faith or ability to overcome. She will be forever missed, but also forever a part of all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years Harold “Hal” Hall, son Kent, his wife Marybeth; stepdaughters Alison (Tim) Getz, Rachel (Jack) Damioli and Tracy (Chris) Coakley; grandchildren, Matthew and Tony Lillick, Ryan Getz (fiance' Katie Curl), Holly (Neil) Leonard, Deanna and Elizabeth Damioli, as well as, recent great grandchildren Charlie and Graham Leonard. She was preceded in death by parents Dorothy H. and Milton W. Jones, first husband of 37 years Gaylord “Hap” Lillick, brother Jack and sister-in-law Caroline Jones, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Arduino and Sally (Lillick) Ceraldi, and sons Kirk and Kris Lillick.

Per Lee’s wishes, cremation has taken place with a private family service to be held at Standing Rock Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00AM at United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The United Methodist Church of Kent. Alternatively, in keeping with Lee’s spirit, plant something and watch it grow, or reach out and help those less fortunate.

Services in care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory. 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240