Colleen May Dillard

CARBONDALE - Colleen May Dillard, 93, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Carbondale, IL.



Colleen was born on May 17, 1927 on a farm near Walt Hill, Nebraska to Asher Fantley and Edna Rachel (Hughson) Dillard. She was the only daughter in a family that included six brothers.



In young adulthood, she became a teacher, starting in a one-room schoolhouse during World War II. She continued teaching and in the early 1960s, accepted a position with the Arabian-American Oil Company (Aramco) in Saudi Arabia. During her four years with Aramco, she had the opportunity to travel the world, visiting Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, Lebanon, Australia, and Denmark among many other countries. After returning to the United States, she taught briefly in Rochester, Minnesota.



In 1976, she moved with her son to Apple Valley, Minnesota where she lived for the next 30 years. There, she was blessed with the friendship of neighbors and colleagues. The majority of her teaching career was spent at Southview Elementary School in Apple Valley. Needless-to-say, Colleen loved children. In 2006, she moved to Carbondale, IL to be near her son.



Colleen was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Tracey, Frank, Robert, John, and Harold. She is survived by her son, David and his wife, two beautiful grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.



Colleen will be remembered as a loving mother, teacher, devoted Christian Scientist, and an accomplished amateur artist and musician.



A virtual memorial is planned for a later date.



In lieu of flowers a contribution in Colleen’s name can be made to your local ASPCA.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a memory or story of Colleen visit www.meredithfh.com.