Carol Ann Jungk Hilliard has officially completed her final shift and has signed off on the ultimate discharge— against medical advice, on Saturday February 7th, 2026. A woman who never met a 12 hour shift she couldn’t conquer, a patient she couldn’t comfort or a doctor she wouldn’t go toe to toe with. She finally found a place where the call light never buzzes and the hand sanitizer doesn’t sting.
As the official leader of the “Dud” family her partner in crime was Merville James Hilliard or “My Merville” as she called him. She was his “Car Car” she loved him deeply, but mostly for his willingness to bring her ice cream and a diet pepsi after a long shift or for following her patiently as she drug the “Dud” family all over the country on educational vacations. The National Park Service also mourns the loss.
While she spent her career saving lives and correcting doctors’ orders, her greatest challenge was raising her onery children Nicole Marie and Noah James (deceased). She may have been overheard calling them non-compliant free range patients with poor impulse control.
Carol Ann took a few things seriously but none as serious as being a Grandma. She would call friends, yell at teachers, chew out coaches or email bosses just to get her version of Grandma justice across. Krysta, Dee, Nathan (April), Brandon (deceased), Hailee, Peyton, Coy, and Kennadee all learned very quickly that Grandma always had their back. She taught her grandchildren many things, everything from how to cook to how to cuss. This Grandma was the complete package.
Born January 12th, 1949 in San Juan, Puerto Rico into a Military family. She grew up in Dubuque, Iowa. She married Merville James Hilliard on November 15th, 1969. She passed away on February 7th, 2026 in her most favorite place to be, Gulf Shores Alabama, yes, she was a snow bird.
Carol knows what it’s like to be an Angel, she was the Self Proclaimed “Angel of the Surgical Ward” Baptizing all the Babies that were in her care “Just in Case”.
She is preceded in death by her parents Don and Mary Jungk of Dubuque, her sister Judith (John)Frances Meyer also of Dubuque, her son Noah James Hilliard of Bushnell, and her grandson Brandon K. Shaw also of Bushnell.
She is survived by her husband Merville James Hilliard of Bushnell, her daughter Nicole Marie Hilliard Lind of Rockford, IL, her brother Robert Jungk of Sacramento, California, her grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, Aunts, Uncles and even honorary Great Grandson.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday February 28th, 2026 at St. Bernards Church in Bushnell, IL. Father Eugene Radosevich will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:0010:45 AM. Everyone is invited to a light lunch following the service in the church basement.
Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.
