Mary Hightower

Mary William "Billie" Hightower, age 89, of Waco, passed away late Sunday evening, October 28, 2012 at West Rest Haven in West. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Kirk Cemetery near Prairie Hill, with Chaplain Ron Hill officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Mary was born March 8, 1923 in McLennan County near Mart, the daughter of Henry B. and Mary (Hornsby) Wheelis. She attended school in the Kirk Community. On September 17, 1942 she was united in marriage to Jessie Cleburne "J.C." Hightower. He preceded her in death on August 3, 1996. Mary was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, doing yard work, and taking care of her family. Mary is also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joe Neal Wheelis, Bruce Wheelis, Buster Wheelis and John Wheelis; sisters, Evelyn Lyth and Clara Pearl Ward. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Ruiz and her friend Robert Burns of Waco; grandchildren, Jennifer Garcia, Keith Parker and Jerry Parker; great grandchildren, Isaac and Angel Garcia; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.