Holly Hilton Hanson

Holly Hilton Hanson passed Friday, April 14, 2023 peacefully at home in Lakeside surrounded by loved ones.  Holly was born in Neenah, Wisconsin in 1944.  Holly fought a difficult battle with ovarian cancer over the last passed a 1 ½ year as hard as anyone could. 

Holly received her Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education from University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Holly spent 30 years teaching, 23 years were spent at Whiteriver Elementary teaching Reading and First Grade.  Holly also taught many other teachers and teachers aides how to teach reading through ASU.  Holly had such a huge passion for reading and teaching others to read! 

Holly moved to the White Mountains with her husband Tom Hanson 45 years ago.  They landed in Arizona after hitchhiking in Mexico.   Holly was active in many sports throughout the years including:  cross country skiing, downhill skiing, hiking, biking, tennis, racquetball, swimming, gardening, kayaking and really anything that would keep her active.  After retirement and Tom’s passing Holly met Dave Berry and they were both very involved with many social causes and UU.  Holly was especially active with the White Mountain Democrat, TRACKS and bookies.  Holly also loved to travel and to learn different languages she could use for traveling (French, Italian and Spanish).

Holly is survived by her daughter Keely (Greg) Deacon, Sister Mary (Don) Richgels, longtime companion Dave Berry, Nephew Ted (Cody) Richgels and Niece Carrie (Julian) Richgels.

Holly was preceded in death by her husband Tom Hanson and her parents John and Kathryn (Vaughter) Hilton.

Memorial services will be held online May 7th at 2PM.  Please reach out to goabert@icloud.com if you would like to be invited.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Native Women Scholars Inc, 1700 E Greens Peak Parkway, Show Low AZ 85901

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