Mary Jane Hileman

Mary Jane Hileman passed away on March 10, 2026, following a short illness. She died peacefully at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family. Her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born on February 25, 1952, in Butte, Montana, to William and Ethel Gohr, Mary carried the values of kindness, hard work, and compassion throughout her life. In 1974, she joined the United States Air Force, serving as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist until her honorable discharge in 1975. Soon after, she married the love of her life on April 26, 1975. Together they built a life centered on love and family. Their daughter, Melissa, was born in July 1976, and their son, Barry, arrived in July 1978. The family moved to Ridgecrest in 1977, where Mary became a beloved preschool teacher at Norma Square Preschool and Leaping Lizards. She dedicated many years to nurturing young children before retiring in January 1992. In retirement, she remained active in the community, working for several years as an Avon Representative.

In 2017, Mary and her husband moved to Pahrump, Nevada, to enjoy their retirement years together. After his passing in 2020, she returned to Ridgecrest in September 2020 to be closer to her family and lifelong friends. Mary found deep fulfillment in her community, volunteering with the Ridgecrest Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 3243, where she formed many cherished friendships. She loved bringing people together and was well known for hosting monthly Bunco nights. She also enjoyed throwing darts in the weekly league and was an avid bowler for many years, continuing to support the sport by helping her husband manage the bowling league even after a shoulder injury ended her own play.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Kathy Hileman; her brother, Charlie Gohr (Nita) of Ohio; and her sister, Shirley Watne (Gary) of Washington. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Sophia Rangel of Texas, Dylan Hileman of Nebraska, Brandon Hileman of Texas, Joshua Hoggard of Ridgecrest, and Jocelyn Hoggard of Ridgecrest. Mary is lovingly remembered by her dearest friends, who became like family: Candy Barton, Trish Wahl, Beth Powell, Nancy and David Jeffres, Tiffany Muncy, Noah Muncy, Anthony Hollis, and many others, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Barry Hileman Sr., in 2020, and her daughter, Melissa Hileman, in 2021. She will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the way she brought people together, leaving a lasting mark on the hearts of everyone who knew her.