SULLIVAN – Betty Meynell Hills died Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, surrounded by her loving family, at an Ellsworth hospital. She was born Jan. 10, 1915, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, to Hal and Jessie (Holder) Meynell. Betty grew up in Montreal and enjoyed spending summers at her father’s family home in Sullivan. She learned an early love of music and dance from her parents, and graduated from Barnes Academy of Art, Montreal. She taught ballet at The Evans’ Sisters School of Dance until starting her own studio, Meynell Dance Studio. She made documentary films for The Canadian Film Co., as well as doing commercial art for a Fashion Design House, Montreal, during the 1930s and 1940s. She eventually moved to Prince Edward Island where she and her sister, Ruth, taught dance and managed a “Victory” club in Charlottetown, during World War II. It was there, she met her husband, Ken, an American volunteer fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was married in August 1942. After the war, she enjoyed living the life of an American Air Force pilot’s wife, traveling to many parts of the world as she raised her four children, who were the focus of her life. She spent many hours volunteering in military hospitals as a “Gray Lady,” helping wounded and ill service men and women, as well as being an active participant in Officer’s Wives clubs at each base she lived on. She and Ken retired to their summer home in Sullivan Harbor in 1965 where she enjoyed many years working with her sister, Ruth, in the Vibert’s Pine Tree Kiln Pottery and Studio. She remained active in her community, working in school PTAs, was a founding member of Sullivan Sorrento Historical Society and served for many years on Sullivan Library Committee. Betty had a life long love of literature and was still active in a local book group at the time of her death. She found great joy and pleasure working in her beautiful flower gardens. Betty is survived by her four children, Kenneth Bruce Jr. and wife, Darlene, of Sullivan, Hollis and wife, Ellie, of Sullivan, Donald and wife, Lily, of Gray, and Suzanne Mace and husband, Christopher, of Sullivan; grandchildren, Capt. Kenneth Hills, Denis Hills and wife, Katie, Eric Hills and wife, Jennifer, Dr. Melanie Mace, Jeremy Mace, Tim Mace, Jessie Mace and husband, Michael, Brad Hills and wife, Jess, Ben Hills, and Sgt. Brian Hills and wife, Katrina; sister, Ruth Meynell Vibert; and brother-in-law, Cmdr. Hollis H. Hills. She was predeceased by her husband, Lt. Col. Kenneth Hills; grandson, Christopher Mace Jr.; and brother-in-law, Denis Vibert. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Gifts in Betty’s memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 645 State St., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
BETTY MEYNELL HILLS
