Elaine Joy Hiller

Elaine Joy Hiller

September 18, 1974 - June 12, 2026

Elaine Joy Hiller, age 51, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 28, 1974, Elaine was the beloved daughter of Lenys W. Straight and the late Wilma Ann (Navis) Straight. She grew up in the Grand Rapids area, graduating from Wyoming Park High School before going on to earn her Associate Degree in Office Administration from Davenport University. For many years, Elaine brought her dedication and bright spirit to her work helping those with special needs and the elderly in Ottawa county and the surrounding areas.

This August, Elaine and her devoted husband, Craig Hiller, would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Their beautiful journey began at a church singles group, but it truly took off thanks to a faulty car water pump. Craig, a mechanic who tinkered with cars after hours, stepped in to help. Throughout their decades together, they loved to laugh and joke that it was easily the most expensive water pump Craig had ever installed. After dating for seven wonderful years, they were married on August 25, 2001.

Elaine possessed a quiet joy and a deep appreciation for the beauty around her. She loved nothing more than sitting at the beach watching the sunset, going camping, and listening to Christian music, especially Toby Mac.

Music was a profound part of her life. Taught by a teacher who played in the symphony at the Muskegon Frauenthal, Elaine learned to play the cello. Because of the size of her hands, she carefully sourced a children's cello so she could perfectly maneuver the strings. She and Craig became avid patrons of the Grand Rapids Symphony, particularly loving the performances where the orchestra played live movie soundtracks. Two of her absolute favorites were The Lord of the Rings and Black Panther, and she always made sure their seats gave them a perfect view of the cellists.

When they weren't at the symphony, Elaine and Craig cherished the simple pleasures of life-watching movies together, dining out, and spending time with their feline companions. Elaine's cat when they got married, Snickers, was a faithful friend for 16 years. After Snickers crossed the rainbow bridge, Elaine knew she needed the joy of a cat in her life again. She and Craig visited the Harbor Humane Society, where an older cat named Gimli-who had been waiting patiently for a home-chose them to be his family.

Elaine's unexpected departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her warmth, resilience, and gentle spirit will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her loving husband, Craig Hiller; her father, Lennis W. Straight; her twin brothers, Mark Straight and David Straight; her beloved cat, Gimli; and many dear friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her cherished mother, Wilma Ann Straight.

Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon