Hortense (Sweet) Willis, 95, surrounded by her loving family, passed peacefully on December 6, 2014.

She was born August 13, 1919, in San Antonio, TX to J.C. and Berta Harllee. Sweet devoted her life to helping others. She was a Registered Nurse who worked at the old Santa Rita Hospital, Hillcrest Hospital as a surgical nurse, a Public Health Nurse, and a school nurse for Cobre Consolidated Schools. She was best remembered by the people of Hurley, where she lived, spending many nights caring for a sick child or neighbor who needed her help. In 1974, she was named Vocational Educator for the Year for the state of New Mexico. She created the vocational nursing program for Cobre High which provided a stepping stone for many young students to become current medical professionals. Sweet was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a member of the Gila Regional Hospital Auxiliary. She was devoted to her family and tried to make sure that her daughters and grandchildren had all the advantages she did not have growing up during the Depression. She was a wonderful role model, confidant, and pillar of strength for her family and friends. The last few years of her life, Sweet lived at Millie's Assisted Living Center where she was always treated as family. She will be greatly missed.

Sweet is preceded in death by her loving husband Willard, her mother and father, sisters Tippy Walters (Ted) and Betsy Moore (John), as well as her many pets who she loved and cared for over the years.

She is survived by her daughters, Betsy (Bill) Evatt and Kathleen (Howie) Miller, her grandchildren, Joseph Miller and Christine (Rohan) Stites, three great-grandchildren, Cyrus, Julianna and Savanna; Troy Evatt and family, Dawn Burns and family and her nephews, Tedd (Carol) Walters and Owen Moore.

A Graveside service was held to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Grant County Humane Society. Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.