Joyce Eileen Hillbrant, age 79, Iola, Kansas, passed away March 31, 2019, at Via Christi Saint Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas. Eileen was born January 17, 1940, in Garnett, Kansas, to Garl Smith and Gail (McKisson) Smith. Eileen and John Hillbrant were married May 28, 1966, in Iola, Kansas. Eileen graduated from Iola High School in 1958. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Pittsburg State Teachers College, Pittsburg, Kansas. Eileen taught school for several years, then stopped teaching to raise her family. Eileen substitute taught and operated a daycare for many years. Eileen coached girls' softball leagues in Iola, and she was a catcher on the Cyrus Softball Team. Eileen enjoyed spending time at Flag Ranch in Yellowstone National Park during her college years. Eileen liked sports, especially softball, and she enjoyed watching KU basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football. She loved animals! Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Fred Smith. Eileen is survived by her husband, John, of the home; one daughter, Leslie Hillbrant and fiancé, Harry Holloway, Gas, Kansas; one son, Rusty Hillbrant and companion, Teresa Small, Chanute, Kansas; one grandson, Hayden Hillbrant, Chanute, Kansas; one sister, Phyliss Lampe and husband, Kenny, Iola, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews who she loved like her own children. A visitation will be held Friday, April 5, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Iola, Kansas. A memorial service honoring Eileen's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF), and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola. Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneralcom.