MARI ALANE HUSCHER

MARI ALANE HUSCHER was born on August 21, 1959, in Springfield, Illinois to Fredrick and Ann Huscher. She was a black-haired beautiful girl who was adored by many, including the students at Concordia Theological Seminary while Fred studied for the pastoral ministry at the seminary. Mari was the first of four children, preceding her brothers Christian, Curtis and sister Heidi. She followed her family through Fred’s pastoral ministry in churches from Bend, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Riverside, California, where she graduated from La Sierra High School. Mari married Dennis Montanez and brought two sons whom she loved dearly into the world: Anthony and Paul Montanez. She worked at various occupations until she found her life’s ambition as a teacher’s aid at Big Springs Educational and Therapy Center in Riverside, a school owned and operated by her brother Christian and his wife Leslie Huscher. This became the fulfillment of her dreams when she was teaching and training educationally challenged children. Mari was blessed to fall in love and marry Stephen Hillyer on October 20, 2005. Soon after they were married, Mari and Steve moved into a home across the street from Fred and Ann. Mari had vowed to care for her parents when they would need special care in their declining years, so this was a special chance for her to fulfill her dream. Living close to her parents, Mari was able to foster a wonderful relationship with them. Mari was blessed to have her family grow over the years, which brought her much joy. Her son Paul and wife Brittani, grandchildren Angelle and Ransom; son Tony and wife Randi, grandchildren Kayla, Nathan, Danica, and Zephyr. Mari was a mother to Steve’s children as well: son Mike and wife Stacy, grandchildren Tyler, Chrisopher, and Michaela, great granddaughter Genesis; son Chris and wife Cheryl, grandchildren Ethan, Nathan, Elisha, Samuel, Daniel, and Christina, great grandchildren Charlotte, Dottie, and Blake; daughter Melissa and husband Jade, grandchildren Justin, Desirae, Alexa, and Amelia; son Brent; son Stephen and wife Casie, grandchildren Carson, Braelynn, and Garrett; son Damon and wife Valeria. Mari lived a life filled with love and laughter. Sadly, her health diminished and her dreams of caring for her parents and living a long life with Steve were cut short. The demands of her health led to her hospitalization at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Moreno Valley, California. Her health continued to deteriorate until her gracious Lord called out to her from heaven, “Enough Mari, it is time to come home to stand before me and be with your mother (who died September 15, 2018).” The date she entered heaven was April 18, 2024. Now, she can walk always with Jesus side-by-side for eternity. 

Visitation will be on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:30-11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, Temecula, California. Funeral Service will begin at 11 am. 

Interment will be in Nebraska.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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